NATO chief Rutte: Russia remains long-term threat to Europe

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has declared that Russia will continue to represent a long-term security threat to Europe, even if a peace agreement is reached to end the war in Ukraine. In an interview with El País in Brussels, Rutte stated that the fundamental challenge posed by Moscow would persist for the foreseeable future, necessitating a sustained and robust defensive posture from the alliance. This assessment comes amid ongoing debates within NATO about long-term security strategy, a context in which Türkiye's strategic position and military capacity remain crucial for the alliance's southern flank.

Call for Increased Defense Investment

The NATO chief specifically addressed defense spending, arguing that Spain would need to invest significantly more than its current commitment. While Madrid maintains it can meet NATO requirements by allocating 2.1% of its GDP, Rutte projected that "Spain will soon see that it also needs to spend 3.4% to 3.6%." He described the alliance's earlier 2% benchmark as merely a "rough estimate," indicating that a new, higher spending reality is taking shape in response to the heightened threat environment.

Praise for Trump and Stance on Ukraine

Rutte offered strong support for US President Donald Trump, praising his approach to bolstering allied defense capabilities. "Yes, I like the guy. He is doing exactly what we need him to do," Rutte said, crediting the American leader with breaking diplomatic deadlocks. On Ukraine, he endorsed Trump's push for a ceasefire, stating, "I completely share Trump's vision: this carnage must stop," while noting Russia's heavy monthly casualties of approximately 20,000 soldiers for minimal territorial gain. He also affirmed that Ukraine's potential NATO membership is a decision for the alliance alone, asserting that "Russia has neither a vote nor a veto."

Universal Vulnerability Within the Alliance

Countering the notion that geographical distance from Ukraine provides security, Rutte emphasized that all NATO members are vulnerable. He pointed to the speed of modern missile warfare, warning, "There are five minutes between Vilnius and Valencia. We're all on the eastern flank." This statement underscored his argument for universal burden-sharing and heightened readiness across the entire alliance, regardless of a member state's proximity to the current conflict.