December 12th 2024.
In a powerful and urgent address, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivered a warning to Europe on Thursday. He expressed concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggressive intentions towards Ukraine and the potential for further attacks on other parts of Europe. Rutte urged Europeans to push their governments to increase defense spending in order to protect against potential threats.
Speaking at the Carnegie Europe think-tank in Brussels, Rutte called for a shift in mindset to prepare for a potential wartime scenario. He highlighted the possibility of Russia using "swarms of drones" in Europe, similar to their use in Ukraine. Rutte stressed that Putin's actions are a direct attack on the values of freedom and democracy that Europe holds dear. He cited Russia's past actions, including the 2008 invasion of Georgia, the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Rutte's speech comes just over two months after assuming the position of NATO's top civilian official. He has already visited the capitals of all 32 allies, including a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump in the United States. With Trump's return and his promise to end the conflict in Ukraine quickly, there is concern that this may lead to an unfavorable outcome for Ukraine.
While acknowledging that Europe has seen a rise in defense spending, with 23 allies meeting NATO's target of 2% of GDP, Rutte emphasized that much more is needed. He noted that Russia's military spending is expected to reach 7-8% of their GDP next year, far surpassing any NATO ally. This, combined with their advanced defense industry and support from allies like China, Iran, and North Korea, poses a significant threat.
Rutte also highlighted a series of recent hostile actions by Russia, including cyber-attacks, assassinations, and the "weaponization" of migrants to destabilize Europe. He emphasized that these are not isolated incidents but rather part of a coordinated effort to disrupt and discourage support for Ukraine. These actions not only circumvent NATO's deterrence but also bring the front line of conflict to Europe's doorstep.
In addition to increased defense spending, Rutte stressed the need for rapid production and acquisition of advanced capabilities to counter new tactics of war, such as drones. He urged governments to provide the necessary support and long-term contracts to the defense industry. Rutte also emphasized that the cost of preventing war now is much lower than the potential cost of fighting it in the future.
In concluding his address, Rutte reminded the audience that freedom and security come at a price. He warned that if Europe does not take action now, they may pay a much higher cost in the future. As the danger continues to loom, Rutte urged for readiness and preparation to deal with potential threats. The future of Europe's safety depends on their ability to confront and defend against danger.
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