Mark Rutte: Russia could "use force against NATO within five years."

LondonDonald Trump's man in Europe continues to spread his militaristic rhetoric. Two weeks before the NATO summit in The Hague, Secretary General Mark Rutte issued a resounding warning from London to all members of the Alliance. In a world where "hope is not a strategy," the allies must commit to making NATO a "stronger, fairer, and more lethal" entity, capable of guaranteeing the security of one billion people on both sides of the Atlantic. Among other reasons, because the Kremlin "could be prepared to use military force against NATO within five years," Rutte said from Chatham House, hours after meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The slogan is classic, and Starmer himself used it a few days ago to present the review of the strategic defense plans of the British Army: "If you want peace, prepare for war." Exactly the same thing Rutte has repeated: it is necessary to "preserve peace through strength, ensure deterrence, and demonstrate that NATO is ready to act if necessary." And to be well prepared, although without going into specific details, the Secretary General pointed out some figures. For example, that the transatlantic organization needs to "multiply its air defense capabilities by four hundred." In addition, "they need thousands of armored vehicles, millions of additional projectiles, and double the logistical and medical capacity."

Rutte recalled that "Russia produces in three months the ammunition that NATO produces in a year." NATO believes that by 2025 alone, Russia could deploy 1,500 tanks, 3,000 armored vehicles, and 200 Iskander missiles. Therefore, without much more spending by NATO members, there will be no more capabilities, nor "a credible defense." Consequently, in two weeks—the summit takes place from June 24 to 26—the Atlantic Alliance will face what its leader has described as "one of the most decisive moments since its founding," and will have to make key decisions that include, among other elements, "drastically increasing military spending and a leading attitude." And while until now the allies had committed to allocating 2% of GDP—Canada has barely reached that level and the United Kingdom will reach 2.5% in 2027— The proposal to be presented at the Hague summit raises its target to 5%.

More equitable distribution and industrial capacities

To make it more digestible for countries like Spain, who opposes it and who still doesn't even reach 2% Of GDP, 3.5% of this 5% will be allocated to essential military needs, such as the acquisition of weapons, equipment modernization, and reinforcement of strategic capabilities. "Russia has not abandoned the military path and is rearming with unexpected speed." Our societies and our militaries are united in this challenge. We will invest more in civilian preparedness so that our societies are ready for the day that never comes. Although Russia is NATO's immediate focus of concern, Rutte also singled out China as a key player in the new global scenario. Iran to form a common front against Western democracies. Therefore, in matters of security, "there are no second chances," the Secretary General affirmed, quoting Winston Churchill's 1936 warning: "We must prepare before it is too late."