NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that after Ukraine, the Alliance countries could become Russia’s next target. He called on member states to immediately increase defense spending and switch to a “war mentality,” emphasizing the urgency of the threat.
Mark Rutte made this statement during a press conference in Berlin on December 11.
Rutte stressed that NATO member states must increase their defense spending to prevent war. According to the secretary general, too many allies in the Alliance do not feel threatened by Russia.
“We are Russia’s next target. And we are already in danger. When I became NATO Secretary General last year, I warned that what is happening in Ukraine could also happen to our allies, that we need to switch to a military mindset. I fear that too many are quietly complacent, too many do not feel the urgency, and too many believe that time is on our side. This is not the case; the time to act is now,” the Secretary General said.
According to Rutte, NATO’s armed forces must have everything necessary for security, and Ukraine must have everything necessary for self-defense. The secretary general also called China a lifeline for Russia, as Beijing wants to prevent the defeat of its ally in Ukraine.
“Without China’s support, Russia would not be able to continue this war. For example, about 80% of the critical electronic components of Russian drones and other systems are manufactured in China. Let’s not forget that Russia also relies on North Korea and Iran in its fight against freedom, providing ammunition and military equipment,” Rutte said.