The right of self-defense provides for hitting targets on the enemy's territory , as stated in international law, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said at his first press conference since taking office from Jens Stoltenberg this morning. Rutte answered a question related to Ukraine's request to hit military targets in Russia with Western weapons, quoted by BTA.
"I understand the desire of the Ukrainians, but each ally makes its own decisions on this matter,", Rütte pointed out. He emphasized that Ukraine would not exist in its current form without the help of the United States. "I am impressed with the Ukrainians, they have shown the ability to repel the Russian forces," Rutte said.
He cites data according to which Russian daily losses in the war are about 1,000 killed or wounded, and since the beginning of the fighting - 500,000 killed or injured. "The more we help Ukraine, the sooner the war will end. The Ukrainian leadership will decide when to start peace talks," Rutte added.
"We often hear threats from Putin; these threats are irresponsible," he said regarding the Russian president's words related to the conditions for using nuclear weapons. "We see no immediate threat of the use of nuclear weapons," Rutte pointed out.
"If we give in to Putin's threats, we will set a precedent that a country can use military force to achieve its goals. We cannot allow this," he summed up.
Rute pointed out that the problem with China is that Beijing is an accomplice in the war initiated by Russia. "The Kremlin has great sources," Rutte said regarding the expectations expressed by the Kremlin that his policy at the head of NATO will not differ from the years under the leadership of Stoltenberg.
Among the three main tasks facing the alliance, Rutte pointed to maintaining NATO's ability to defend itself against any threat. "We need to increase munitions production capabilities and defense budgets," he urged. According to Rutte, it is necessary for NATO and the EU to interact more, including in relation to hybrid threats. "We must continue working with partners, including in the fight against terrorism. China cannot continue to fuel the war in Ukraine without affecting Beijing's reputation and interests," he added.