European Allies May Be Russia’s Next Target, NATO chief Mark Rutte Warns

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that Europe could face direct military threats from Russia within the next five years, urging member states to ramp up defence spending and accelerate military preparedness.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Berlin, Rutte cautioned European leaders against complacency as Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on and pressure from the United States mounts for greater burden-sharing within the alliance.

“We need to be ready, because conflicts are no longer fought at arm’s length. Conflict is at our door,” Rutte said. “Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must prepare for the kind of large-scale warfare our grandparents experienced.”

Rutte warned that Moscow could be in a position to use military force against NATO by the end of the decade if allies fail to act decisively. “Too many believe time is on our side. It is not,” he said.

NATO leaders agreed in June to raise defence spending to five per cent of GDP by 2035, more than double the current two per cent benchmark, a target long championed by former US President Donald Trump.

While stressing that Europe must shoulder more responsibility for its own security, Rutte underscored the importance of preserving strong transatlantic ties. “It is crucial that we keep the transatlantic bond strong,” he said, noting that US security is closely tied to a stable Atlantic protected by NATO.

Rutte also credited Trump with breaking a diplomatic stalemate in talks with Moscow, describing the US president as “the only one who could break the deadlock with President Vladimir Putin.”

Despite ongoing discussions, European leaders remain wary of any peace agreement that would force Ukraine into territorial concessions. Rutte insisted that any settlement must include robust security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression. “Putin must know that any renewed attack would have devastating consequences,” he said.

Meanwhile, Russia has demanded that the United Kingdom clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of a British soldier in Ukraine, suggesting, without providing evidence, that British forces were involved in undisclosed operations.

The UK Ministry of Defence said the soldier died in a “tragic accident” while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability away from active front lines.