Europe must urgently shake off its lethargy and spend “much more” on its defence, warned NATO Chief Mark Rutte on Thursday, stating that it is not prepared for the threat of war with Russia.
"It is time to adopt a wartime mindset," said the Secretary General of the Alliance in his first major speech since taking office in October. "We are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years."
In a grave-toned address, Rutte appealed for public support and a sense of sacrifice to "prevent the next great war on NATO territory."
This solemn call from the head of the North Atlantic Alliance comes as Ukrainian forces retreat on the battlefield against a more numerous and better-equipped Russian army. He also reminded that this war in Ukraine results in "more than 10,000 dead and wounded on both sides every week."
"The danger is approaching us at great speed," Rutte further warned, referencing the Russian threat to the European continent.
"What is happening in Ukraine can also happen here," insisted the former Dutch Prime Minister. While there is currently no imminent military threat against NATO, it doesn’t stop Russia from preparing for "a long-term confrontation with Ukraine, and with NATO countries."
"The Russian economy is on a war footing," while in Europe, states are reluctant to spend more to boost their defence capabilities, he lamented.
