NATO chief Rutte warns Russia: Any attack will face 'devastating response'

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte issued a forceful deterrent message to Russia on Thursday, warning that any attempt to seize territory for a land corridor to Kaliningrad through the strategic Suwalki Gap would trigger an overwhelming allied response. "Let no one think they can attack us, because our reaction will be devastating," Rutte stated during a press conference ahead of the NATO Defense Ministers' meeting. The Polish-Lithuanian border strip remains one of the alliance's most vulnerable flashpoints.

Türkiye to Lead July Summit, Arctic Mission Launched

Rutte confirmed that NATO leaders will convene in Ankara this July, with less than five months remaining until the summit hosted by Türkiye. The agenda will focus on implementing decisions taken at last year's Hague summit, including increased defense spending and industrial capacity building. Additionally, the alliance launched "Arctic Watcher," a unified command initiative consolidating NATO activities in the Arctic region in response to growing Russian military presence and Chinese interest in polar routes.

Ukraine Support and European Defense

The Secretary-General reported that 99% of military aid to Kyiv is provided by NATO allies, who also coordinate its delivery. Ukraine's new Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov will attend Friday's ministerial talks. Addressing European defense capabilities, Rutte acknowledged the continent cannot currently secure itself without the United States but praised accelerated European investment. "Europe is rapidly strengthening, defense spending is rising at a dizzying pace," he said, dismissing suggestions that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's absence signals diminished American commitment.