"Russia is preparing for long-term confrontation, with Ukraine and with us," Mark Rutte said, adding: "We are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years."

Summary

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the alliance must adopt a “wartime mindset” to prepare for long-term confrontation with Russia.

Speaking in Brussels, he urged members to increase defense spending beyond the 2% GDP target, noting that only 23 of 32 members currently meet it.

Rutte emphasized boosting defense production, addressing cyber threats, and countering China’s military buildup and actions toward Taiwan.

His remarks come as Donald Trump threatens to withhold defense support from NATO members failing to meet spending commitments, raising concerns about alliance unity.

  • InFerNo@lemmy.mlEnglish
    8·
    14 days ago

    If you put aside the argument that Russia isn’t capable of running over Ukraine, cities are still laid to waste, people are getting killed…

      • InFerNo@lemmy.mlEnglish
        4·
        13 days ago

        Wether or not Russia is capable of taking over Ukraine, lives are lost in Ukraine. That’s a reason to be worried. You can laugh at Russia’s failure to carry out the task they put before themselves, but in the end people are suffering.

        The whole point of their operation wasn’t to “not be capable to take over Ukraine”, it was “(to be capable) to take over Ukraine”.

        I think you misunderstood me.

        • Churbleyimyam@lemm.eeEnglish
          12·
          13 days ago

          Don’t get me wrong, what has happened to Ukraine is absolutely awful. But the argument that European NATO countries should respond by spending more money on arming themselves is wrong IMO. First because it’s unnecessary and second because we have other important things that need investment like energy, transport and healthcare. I dont want these things to be neglected for the sake of handing over billions to big arms companies for weapons that sit unused in a warehouse for decades. We need to be invested in a stable and peaceful future.

          • GoofSchmoofer@lemmy.worldEnglish
            1·
            13 days ago

            Well the good news (/s) is that they won’t be sitting in a warehouse - they will instead be sold to one of many conflicts around the world to “test” their product.

            “never let a disagreement go unarmed”

            • weapons manufactures (probably)