Russia could attack a NATO country within the next five years, according to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who issued a stark warning during a speech in Berlin. He stated, Russia is already escalating its covert campaign against our societies, urging member nations to be prepared for the scale of conflict reminiscent of wars faced by previous generations.
This warning aligns with the assessments of Western intelligence agencies, which Russia has characterized as exaggerated. Rutte's remarks coincide with ongoing geopolitical complexities, particularly amid US President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate an end to the conflict resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, initiated in February 2022.
Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his country was not aiming for war with Europe but was ready for one, should Europe provoke it. However, he previously issued similar reassurances in 2022 before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine occurred.
The NATO chief stressed that the support for Ukraine is vital for the security of Europe, warning of dire consequences should Russia succeed in establishing control over Ukraine. He painted a harrowing picture of a Russia emboldened by territorial gains pressing against NATO borders, increasing the risk of armed conflict.
Rutte's address underscored the alarming pace at which Russia has prepared its military capabilities over the past three years, manufacturing significant quantities of military equipment, including tanks and drones. However, he noted that Western nations were not matching this pace, suggesting they would need a considerable amount of time to reach similar production capacities.
As NATO navigates these critical challenges, Rutte called on member countries to rapidly bolster their defense spending and production capabilities, warning against complacency and the false belief that time is on their side.
