International news reports and official NATO or United Nations statements

NATO Chief Rutte Warns of Russian Threat, Urges 3% Defense Spending in 'Wartime Mindset'

Dec 13, 2024, 08:55 AM

NATO Chief Mark Rutte has called on European members to adopt a "wartime mindset" and increase defense spending targets to 3% of GDP, up from the current 2%. Rutte warned that "we are not ready for what is coming our way in 4 to 5 years," emphasizing that Russia is preparing for a long-term confrontation with Ukraine and NATO. He urged allies to "turbocharge" defense production and spending to counter growing threats, including the potential for Russia to start a regional conflict to test the NATO alliance before 2030. Former Armed Forces Minister James Heappey echoed these concerns, stating that freedom "is not free." Discussions are underway among NATO members, as reported by the Financial Times, to adjust spending targets, with countries like Italy currently not reaching the 2% goal.