NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte issued a stark warning on December 12, urging member states to “turbo-charge” their defense spending and production capabilities to counter the growing threat posed by Russia. In his keynote address in Brussels, his first major speech since assuming office in October, Rutte painted a sobering picture of the geopolitical landscape and emphasized the urgency of preparing for potential future conflicts.

“We are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years,” Rutte declared. “Danger is moving towards us at full speed.”

Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has acted as a wake-up call for NATO, forcing the alliance to strengthen its eastern flank and reassess its strategic priorities. While many member states have increased their defense budgets in response to the conflict, Rutte stressed that these efforts remain insufficient to match Moscow’s arms production capabilities.

“Russia is preparing for long-term confrontation. With Ukraine. And with us,” Rutte said. “What is happening in Ukraine could happen here, too.”

Although Rutte assured that there is no “imminent military threat,” he emphasized the need for NATO to adopt a “wartime mindset” to build robust defenses and prevent a larger conflict from erupting on alliance territory. “We can prevent the next big war on NATO territory,” he stated. “It is time to shift to a wartime mindset and turbo-charge our defense production and defense spending.”

The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to exact........

© Blitz