‘We are Russia’s next target’: Nato chief Rutte warns Europe already in harm’s way

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has delivered an urgent warning that Europe faces an imminent Russian threat, declaring, “We are Russia’s next target, and we are already in harm’s way,” in a speech in Berlin, according to a Guardian report.

Speaking at the Bavarian State Representation hosted by the Munich Security Conference, Rutte said Russia “has become even more brazen, reckless and ruthless towards Nato and towards Ukraine” and warned the alliance could face military force from Moscow within five years.

“I’m here today to tell you where Nato stands and what we must do to stop a war before it starts,” Rutte said. “During the Cold War, President Reagan warned about the aggressive impulses of an evil empire. Today, President Putin is in the empire-building business again”.

‘Conflict is at our door’

Rutte warned that “at the end of this first quarter of the 21st century, conflicts are no longer fought at arm’s length – conflict is at our door.”

He painted a scenario on the scale of “our grandparents or great-grandparents endured” with “conflict reaching every home, every workplace facing destruction, mass mobilisation, and millions displaced”.

“That’s a terrible thought, but if we deliver on our commitments, this is a tragedy we can prevent,” he said.

The Nato chief said further support for the alliance represents Europe’s only hope of preventing the Ukrainian war from spreading across the continent.

Complacency warning

Whilst welcoming the decision to accelerate defence spending at Nato’s Hague summit earlier this year, Rutte warned, “This is not a time for self-congratulation”.

“I fear that too many are quietly complacent. Too many don’t feel the urgency. And too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now. Allied defence spending and production must rise rapidly. Our armed forces must have what they need to keep us safe,” he said.

Rutte warned that in Putin’s “distorted view of history in the world, Putin believes that our freedom threatens his stranglehold on power and that we want to destroy Russia”.

He identified China as Russia’s “lifeline” that allows it to pursue its aggressive line, supported by North Korea and Iran.

Ukraine scenario

Describing a theoretical scenario if Putin succeeded in Ukraine, Rutte said, “Ukraine under the boot of Russian occupation, his force pressing against a longer border with Nato, a significantly increased risk of an armed attack against us.”

Such a scenario would require “a truly gargantuan shift” in deterrence and defence, with substantially increased military presence along the eastern flank, he said.

“In such a scenario, we would long for the days when 3.5% of GDP on core defence was enough. The number would grow massively,” Rutte warned, adding that painful trade-offs including emergency budget cuts and economic disruption would become unavoidable.

“So let’s not forget Ukraine’s security is our security,” he said, warning that “with its economic economy dedicated to war, Russia could be ready to use military force against Nato within five years”.

Sabotage and hybrid warfare

Rutte referenced growing disinformation and misinformation campaigns against “our societies”, as well as attempted sabotage attacks on critical infrastructure, defence industry and military facilities.

“There have been attacks on commercial warehouses and shopping centres, and explosives hidden in parcels. And Poland is now investigating sabotage against its railway network,” he said.

“Nato’s response to Russia’s provocations has been calm, decisive and proportionate. But we need to be prepared for further escalation and confrontation,” he added, invoking Article Five: “Any aggressor must know that we can and will hit back hard.”

Trump praise

Rutte pointedly praised Donald Trump for his efforts on Ukraine, saying “he is the only one who can get Putin to the negotiating table”.

“So let’s put Putin to the test. Let’s see if he really wants peace or if he prefers the slaughter to continue,” he said.

Festive season message

Concluding his speech, Rutte acknowledged the difficult timing of his message.

“I have a duty as secretary general to tell you what lies ahead if we don’t act faster, invest in defence and continue our support for Ukraine. And I know this is a hard message as we head towards the festive season, when our thoughts turn to hope, light and peace,” he said.

“But we can take courage and strength knowing that we stand together in Nato with determination and the knowledge that we are on the right side of history.”

German foreign minister Johann Wadephul, who also spoke at the event, said “if you want to know Russia’s actions, listen to what it accuses others of” and warned that “Russian hybrid actions are already targeting us in Europe as we speak”.

(information from The Guardian)