Russia could attack a NATO country within the next five years, the Western military alliance's chief has said in a stark new warning.
Russia is already escalating its covert campaign against our societies, Mark Rutte stated in a speech in Germany. We must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents or great-grandparents endured.
His comments echo warnings made by Western intelligence agencies that Moscow has dismissed as hysteria.
This warning aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's ongoing attempts to resolve Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which commenced in February 2022.
Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin asserted that Russia was not aiming for conflict with Europe but was ready for it if provoked. However, such assurances were previously given in 2022, just before the invasion commenced with over 200,000 Russian troops crossing into Ukraine.
Putin has criticized European nations for obstructing U.S. efforts to reach peace in Ukraine, referring to their influence in attempting to modify a proposed peace plan favoring Russia.
Nonetheless, NATO Secretary-General Rutte indicated that Putin's statements were insincere.
Supporting Ukraine is essential for European security, Rutte insisted. Just imagine if Putin got his way; Ukraine under the boot of Russian occupation, his forces pressing against a longer border with NATO, and the significantly increased risk of armed attacks against us.
Russia's military-industrial complex has been on a war footing for over three years, reportedly producing vast quantities of military equipment. Analysts suggest that Western Europe's industrial capacity cannot match this level of output in the near future, highlighting the urgency for increased defense spending and rapid military production among NATO nations.
Rutte concluded by warning that complacency among NATO members regarding the urgent need for preparedness could have dire consequences, urging immediate action to ensure safety and security across the alliance.
