– Russia can be ready to use military force against NATO within 5 years. Let's face it, we are all on the eastern flank now Rutte said in a speech in Chatham House in London, referring to the range of Russian rockets.
– The fact is that we need a quantum jump in our collective defense. The fact is that we must have more strength and ability to fully implement our defensive plans. The fact is that the danger will not disappear even after the end of the war in Ukraine – he added.
Rutte – former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, who is currently leading a transatlantic military alliance at a critical moment for global security – He also met with the prime minister of Great Britain Keir Starmerwhich is in the face of a difficult struggle to increase defense expenditure.
There are two more weeks to the NATO summit
The speech of the head of NATO is preceded by a high -rate peak in the Hague, which will take place this month and which will mean the return of US President Donald Trump on the NATO stage.
Continuation of the material under the video
While NATO officials are preparing for Trump's unpredictability during the summit, Rutte also tried to refine the fears that the United States could militarily withdraw from Europe, because Washington perceives China as the main threat to their security.
– Will there be a sudden withdrawal of American troops? No, he said to the audience, but he added that Washington's return towards Asia is “logical”. This change will be a gradual approach that will not leave any gaps in NATO's abilities in Europeas Rutte emphasized.
More money and more weapons
At the top of the allies, it is expected to agree to a new, supported by Trump, expenditure in the amount of 5 percent. GDP – 3.5 percent for purely military expenses and 1.5 percent for othersstill indefinite defense positions. This is a huge increase compared to the current goal of 2 percent.
The countries of the southern flank, such as Italy and Spain, were reluctant to achieve the current goal only this year – PONDAD The decade after his first agreement At the top in Wales – and they will not veto a new goal. Madrid's conviction was particularly difficult because this South European country does not perceive Russia as a direct threat to security.
PAP/EPA/ANDY RAIN
Meeting of Keira Starmer, the British prime minister, and Marek Rutti, the Secretary of NATO general. London, June 9, 2025
Last week, NATO defense ministers approved new so -called Objectives in terms of ability – which means new requirements regarding military equipment to implement regional plans to defend the Alliance against a potential attack from Russia. Although the details are secret, the priorities include anti -aircraft and missile defense, large land forces formations, long -range abilities and logistics.
Allies in NATO need a “400 % increase in anti-aircraft and missile defense […] Our armed forces also need thousands of more armored vehicles and tanks, millions of more artillery shells and we must double our supportive abilities, such as logistics, supply, transport and medical support, “Rutte said on Monday.
The governments of the Member States are also on the right track to buy more warships, drones, long-range shells and aircraft-including at least 700 American F-35 combat aircraft, he added.
– when it comes to ammunition, Russia produces in three months what the whole NATO produces during the year Rutte warned.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
