Secretary General Of Rutte Warns Russia Could Be Ready To Attack NATO In 5 Years

JAKARTA - Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mark Rutte warned on Thursday that Russia could be in a position to attack the alliance within five years, urging allies to increase defense spending and strengthen deterrence.

"We need to be very clear about the threat. We are Russia's next target," Mark Rutte said in a speech at the Munich Security Conference in Berlin.

"NATO's own defense can last for now. But with its economy dedicated to war, Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO in five years," he said.

Furthermore, the Head of NATO noted that Russia has significantly increased defense production during the war in Ukraine, produced about 2,000 cruise and ballistic missiles this year, and produced about 2,900 attack drones each month.

Accusing Russia of launching an escalating hybrid war against Western countries, Secretary General Rutte said Moscow was behind a secret campaign, sabotage attacks against critical infrastructure, drone infiltration, and airspace abuses.

"NATO responses to Russia's provocations have been calm, firm, and proportional. But we need to prepare for further escalation and confrontation," Rutte warned.

"Our eternal commitment to Article 5 NATO, that attacks on one country are attacks on all countries, sending strong messages. Every aggressor must know that we can and will retaliate strongly," he said.

During the panel discussion after his speech, Secretary General Rutte welcomed the German Government's decision to increase defense spending and a massive defense investment plan.

As the largest economy in Europe, he said, these efforts (Germany) were said by the Secretary General of Rutte to be very significant. He criticized those who opposed these efforts and warned that the threat posed by Russia was real.

"I also know in Germany, some people question, do we really need to do this? Yes. If you love German, and you don't want to speak Russian, that's very important," said Rutte, in a panel discussion with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

"This is an absolute requirement, because otherwise this person will not stop in Ukraine. That is, in my opinion, what we must be aware of," he said.