NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged European allies to significantly increase their defence efforts, warning that the continent is not adequately prepared to deter a potential Russian attack.
Speaking in Berlin, Rutte delivered one of his starkest warnings yet, arguing that many NATO members still fail to grasp the urgency of the Russian threat, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and Moscow’s increasingly aggressive posture.
“We Are Russia’s Next Target”
“We are the next target of Russia,” Rutte said, criticizing European complacency.
“Many are quietly comfortable. Many do not feel the urgency. And many believe time is on our side. It is not. The time to act is now.”
His remarks come as NATO intelligence assessments indicate that Russia continues expanding its military production, restructuring its army, and preparing for a long-term confrontation with the West.
Call for Higher Spending and Increased Military Production
Rutte emphasized that European governments must immediately increase defence spending and accelerate military production to avoid being caught unprepared in the event of a wider conflict.
He added that the war is “already at Europe’s doorstep”, making it unacceptable for any member state to delay strategic investments.
China’s Role Under Scrutiny
Rutte also highlighted China’s crucial support to Russia, arguing that Beijing enables Moscow to prolong its war against Ukraine.
“How is it possible that Putin continues this war? The answer is China. China is Russia’s lifeline. Without Chinese support, Russia could not sustain this conflict,” he stated.
Moscow Denies Tensions With Washington
In response, the Kremlin rejected suggestions of tensions between Moscow and Washington over Ukraine policy, insisting that there are “no misunderstandings between the two countries.”
Rutte’s remarks place renewed pressure on European governments—already criticized by several NATO officials and analysts—for responding too slowly to the continent’s most serious security crisis since the end of the Cold War.
