NATO Chief Warns Europe Could Face Future Russian Aggression
Rutte Calls for Urgent Increase in Defense Spending
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned on Thursday that European allies could become “Russia’s next target” if they fail to strengthen their defenses. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Berlin, Rutte urged member states to raise defense spending quickly to avoid a conflict similar to the devastating wars seen in previous generations.
Conflict Reaches Europe’s Doorstep
Rutte stressed that Europe can no longer assume distance from conflict. “We need to be ready because conflicts are no longer fought at arm’s length. Conflict is at our door,” he said. He added that Russia has “brought war back to Europe,” and NATO must prepare for threats on a scale that earlier generations endured.
Warning of Potential Russian Action
The NATO chief cautioned that Russia could be prepared to use military force against the alliance within the next five years. He criticized the slow response from some member states, saying too many remain “quietly complacent” and wrongly believe time works in their favor. “It is not,” he warned. “The time for action is now. Allied defense spending and production must rise rapidly.”
Meeting U.S. Demands and Long-Term Goals
Rutte noted that if NATO members meet their commitments, they can prevent a future tragedy. In June, NATO agreed to increase defense spending targets to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035—more than double the current 2% goal and aligned with long-standing demands from U.S. President Donald Trump.
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