“If you do not do this, if you do not go 5% [от ВВП]including 3.5% of the main defense costs, you will maintain the National Health Service, as in other countries, and the pension system, and so on. But then you better learn to speak Russian, this is a direct consequence, ”said the general secretary of the alliance.
In the same speech, Rutte suggested that The Russian Federation may be ready to use military force against NATO for five years.
When asked that after a constant ceasefire in Ukraine is reached, the clock begins to count the time and risks for the alliance begin to increase, ”NATO Secretary General replied that“ this is a statement of fact ”.
Context
On November 7, 2024, Rutte said that the elected US President Donald Trump prompts Europe to large defense costs.
On December 20, Financial Times wrote that after taking office in January 2025, Trump would probably demand from NATO member states to increase defense costs to 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
January 22, 2025 Head of the European Defense Agency (EDA) Kai Callas The EU countries called on the increase in defense investments not only to prevent the war, but also to be prepared for it, because, according to intelligence services, Russia can attack Europe in three to five years. According to Kallas, Moscow spends almost five times more budget funds than Brussels. According to there is European Commissioner for Defense Andryus Cubilyus, Russia will spend this year 40% of the federal budget for defense and safety, which is 9% of GDP.
On February 1, 2025, then the US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said that Trump's administration will put pressure on NATO allies, who do not increase defense costs.On May 15, US Secretary of State Mark Rubio said that before the Summit in June, NATO will agree to increase defense costs to 5% in 10 years.
