Support for Kyiv and Increase in Defense Spending is Vital - Rutte

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called for continued support for Ukraine, warning that Europe will face growing security risks if its resolve falters. He made these remarks in an interview with the German DPA news agency.

Rutte noted that to prevent an attack by Russian President Vladimir Putin on a NATO member, Ukraine must be strong. He also emphasized that NATO members need to increase their defense spending in line with commitments made at the alliance's summit in The Hague in June.

“If we do these two things, we will be strong enough to defend ourselves, and Putin will never try,” Rutte said, referring to the potential for a Russian attack on the alliance.

The head of the alliance added that rearmament must happen quickly. He stated that based on intelligence assessments, the security situation could become dangerous as early as 2027.

Rutte pointed to Russia's military spending as evidence of the threat posed by Putin, noting that Moscow is now allocating more than 40% of its state budget to defense.

According to the NATO leader, the war in Ukraine has demonstrated Putin's willingness to accept heavy losses. Rutte also cited estimates stating that around 1.1 million Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded.