NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has drawn attention to the escalating military threat posed by Russia, describing its rapid reconstitution as ‘unparalleled in recent history.’ In an exclusive New York Times interview, Rutte asserted that Russia is now producing three times as much ammunition in three months as the entire NATO alliance generates in a year, calling the scenario ‘unsustainable’ but stressing that the Kremlin is advancing its war of aggression against Ukraine with support from North Korea, China, and Iran.
Despite the growing military challenge, Rutte emphasized the importance of maintaining a collective security posture across the alliance. He highlighted the critical role of the Arctic and the Atlantic in global security, warning that ‘if the Arctic, if the Atlantic Ocean, if Europe is not secure, the U.S. has a big problem.’ Rutte argued that Russia’s ultimate goal is to pose a direct threat to American territory, underscoring the interconnected nature of NATO’s security concerns.
Rutte also took issue with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent comments on NATO’s defense spending, dismissing them as ‘fake news.’ He noted that Lavrov’s remarks are a sign that ‘the deterrence is working’ and that the Russian leader’s comments are not to be taken seriously. The NATO chief acknowledged that the alliance lacks the necessary industrial base to manufacture the weapons required for modern warfare, emphasizing that both financial investment and a robust defense industry are essential to ensure NATO’s readiness.
On the issue of supporting Ukraine, Rutte confirmed that the European allies have significantly increased their financial and military aid, with a total of $35 billion in military assistance delivered this year. He described this shift as a ‘logical and fair’ burden-sharing among NATO members, with the U.S. expecting Europeans to take on a greater role in supporting Kyiv. While Rutte expressed hope that direct dialogue between Trump and Putin could lead to a resolution, he admitted that Russia’s peace delegation in Istanbul was not serious, suggesting that the U.S. must continue providing vital support to Ukraine until a lasting peace is achieved.
The NATO chief’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the strategic importance of the war in Ukraine. Rutte reiterated the U.S. administration’s commitment to the conflict, stating that it is ‘crucial for the defense of NATO territory going forward.’ He argued that Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position to deter Russian aggression and prevent another invasion, emphasizing that sustained support is necessary to ensure a favorable outcome in any potential peace negotiations.