NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that Russia is allocating nearly half of its national budget toward its war efforts, while China, North Korea, and Iran continue to pose growing challenges to global security.
Speaking at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, Rutte stressed the urgent need for Alliance members to act faster and work together to strengthen military readiness. He made the remarks during press conferences and events connected to the summit.
According to Rutte, Russia is directing close to 50% of its state budget toward its military industry and the war effort in Ukraine. This represents a significant increase from previous estimates of around 40%, with nearly 75% of Moscow’s tax revenues now reportedly allocated to defense.
“Can you imagine? Almost 50 percent of what Russia spends is going into the war machine. Its defense industry is operating 24 hours a day. And not only the defense industry, but also other parts of its industrial base are supporting the war effort,” Rutte said.
Russia is producing large quantities of tanks, armored vehicles, and ammunition at a pace exceeding previous expectations. It is rebuilding its armed forces with Chinese technology and cooperating closely with China, North Korea, and Iran in ways NATO says challenge the existing international order.
Rutte also highlighted threats beyond Russia. He warned that China is becoming increasingly assertive, that North Korea is providing weapons and personnel for the war in Ukraine, and that Iran is developing nuclear and missile capabilities that could threaten regional and global stability.
