There is a serious concern that in the next few years Russia could launch an attack on NATO if we do not start investing in defense capabilities now. This was warned by the Secretary General of the Alliance, Mark Rutte, at a press conference in The Hague, where the meeting of the heads of state and government of the member states will be held on Wednesday, BTA reports.
“In NATO, we share the understanding that if we were attacked by Russia today, our response would be devastating. But to be ready, we must act now“, Rutte said. He identified Moscow as the most significant and direct threat to the Alliance, stressing that Russia continues the war in Ukraine with the support of countries such as North Korea, Iran, China and Belarus.
The meeting in The Hague is expected to take decisive measures - including increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP, increasing military production and strengthening support for Ukraine. “NATO has detailed defense plans. We know how to respond to any threat. We are determined to defend every inch of Allied territory if an adversary makes the mistake of attacking one of our countries“, Rutte said.
The Secretary General noted that it is important for all Allies to shoulder a fair share of the burden for the Alliance's security. Among the defense measures included in the plans are a fivefold increase in air defense systems, the acquisition of thousands of tanks and armored vehicles, and the provision of millions of rounds of ammunition.
Regarding Iran, Rutte recalled that NATO has long maintained a position that Iran should not develop nuclear weapons, and he again called on Tehran to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He said he did not share the assessment that strikes on Iranian nuclear sites were contrary to international law.