NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte avoided providing details on the rationale behind NATO’s belief that Russia might launch an attack within five years, instead focusing on the necessity for increased military spending. During a press conference in The Hague, Rutte was asked to clarify the assessment of a Russian attack within five years, but he only cited general concerns and urged higher defense spending.
The NATO bloc has consistently warned of a potential Russian invasion, with Russia denying these claims. Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, has labeled the accusations as ‘nonsense’ and ‘shameless lies,’ arguing they are used to justify military spending and provoke an arms race. The Kremlin has also criticized NATO’s ‘unbridled militarization’ and suggested the alliance is a tool for confrontation rather than peace.