Rutte announces a “change of mind” in NATO: Europe takes the lead, Russia suffers “staggering losses”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that at the Alliance's ministerial meeting in Brussels, it was visible “a change of mentality” among Western leaders. According to him, Europe is increasingly assuming a leading role in the field of defense within NATO.
Mark Rutte says that Europe is becoming more influential in NATO PHOTO: Inquam photos/ Octav Ganea
Mark Rutte emphasized that the old grievances of the United States related to the low level of defense spending in Europe are beginning to belong to the past, The Guardian reports. “We've had years, decades of complaints from the US that not enough is being spent on defense in Europe. That has changed since the Hague summit. The change in mindset is that yesterday in the room we all felt a clear convergence of vision and unity,” said the Secretary General of NATO.
He added that this evolution is clearly seen in the current positioning of the member states. “Europe is actually taking on more. Europe takes on a more pronounced leadership role within NATO“, said Rutte.
Support for Ukraine and Russian propaganda warning
Referring to the war in Ukraine, the NATO chief insisted on the need for the Alliance to continue and step up support for Kiev. “We must continue our support and do more for Ukraine”he said.
At the same time, Mark Rutte warned member states not to fall into “the trap of Russian propaganda“, claiming that the reality on the front contradicts the image of strength promoted by Moscow. According to him, Russia is suffering “staggering losses” as he continues his aggression.
“They want us to perceive the Russians as a strong bear. He's not a strong bear, he's got the speed of a garden snail. It could be said that it is moving through Ukraine with the lumbering speed of a garden snail, so let's not fall into the trap of Russian propaganda“, said the Secretary General of NATO.
