Russia could attack a NATO country within the next five years, the Western military alliance's chief has said in a stark new warning.
Russia is already escalating its covert campaign against our societies, Mark Rutte stated during a speech in Germany. He emphasized the need for NATO to prepare for a level of conflict reminiscent of what previous generations faced.
Rutte's warning aligns with assessments made by Western intelligence, which Moscow has labeled as panic-driven. This message of caution arrives as US President Donald Trump seeks to mediate the resolution of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022.
Recently, President Putin claimed that Russia is not planning an invasion of Europe but is ready to respond if conflicts arise. Nonetheless, these reassurances follow similar assertions made before Russia's past aggression in Ukraine.
Rutte insisted that NATO's commitment to supporting Ukraine remains crucial for ensuring European safety. He warned that allowing Russia to exert dominance over Ukraine would inevitably bolster the threat to NATO.
Highlighting economic and production capabilities, Rutte remarked that Russia has maintained a war-ready economy for over three years, consistently producing military equipment far beyond current Western capabilities. He encouraged NATO members to expedite defense spending and production, highlighting that complacency could lead to dire consequences for European nations.
The urgency of Rutte's remarks reflects the overarching geopolitical tensions and the unpredictable nature of Russian military engagement in the region.
