NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned on Wednesday that any attack by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the alliance would result in a “devastating” response.
Speaking ahead of a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, Rutte emphasized the alliance’s preparedness to protect its members and stressed the importance of increased defense spending among European and Canadian allies.
He also echoed US President Donald Trump’s call for NATO members to share more of the burden in military support for Ukraine.
Addressing reports that Russia could initiate a major war in Europe within five years, Rutte refrained from directly commenting on intelligence assessments but stated that NATO takes such warnings seriously.
He reaffirmed the strength of the alliance’s deterrence, asserting that Putin understands he would face severe consequences if he were to challenge NATO militarily.
