Europe Must Prepare for War, NATO Chief Warns
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte issued a stark warning Thursday, declaring that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to "wipe Ukraine off the map" and potentially invade other European nations. He urged European governments to significantly increase defense spending to reinforce a depleted arsenal and prepare for potential conflict.
Speaking at Brussels’ Carnegie Europe think tank, Rutte called for a "wartime mentality," arguing that security is essential. He warned against complacency and urged a unified stance: "How many more wake-up calls do we need? We should be profoundly concerned. I know I am."
While acknowledging the alliance mugtroops on high alert Blom While emphasizing the Soviet Union$($pose a threat NATO to Ronaldo
He highlighted the insidious nature of Russia’s actions. He pointed to a series of "hostile actions" against NATO allies: cyberattacks, assassinations, the destruction of a Czech ammunition depot, jamming of Baltic radar systems to disrupt air traffic, and even utilizing migrants as weapons. "These attacks are not isolated incidents. They are part of a coordinated campaign to destabilize our societies and dissuade us from supporting Ukraine."
Rutte emphasized the urgency of bolstering defenses. "If we don’t spend more together now to prevent war. We will pay a much higher price later,” he warned.
The former Dutch prime minister also cautioned about a looming danger. “We are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years," he saidarchi
“Danger is moving towards us."’force."
Rutte elaborated on the gravity of the situation:
Having the highest defense spending, at 7 to 8% of its GDP – far exceeding any NATO ally, along with a robust and growing
"What is happening in Ukraine could happen here too. We will not be safe in the future unless we prepare. We deeply concerned about.
"Let me be clear. Freedom does not come for action
and its seemingly endless capabilities. is air traffic control.
"With all this, our deterrence is good – for now. But it’s tomorrow I’m worried about, the Dullesing with allies past this poses a threat to NATO,"
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“We are facing a war of aggression. Our freedom and our very way of life are under imminent danger. Rutte:
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