NATO Chief Urges 'Wartime Mindset', Increased Defense Spending, and More Troops to Counter Russian Threat

Dec 12, 2024, 05:19 PM

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a stark warning to member countries, urging them to adopt a 'wartime mindset' and significantly increase defense spending to prepare for potential future conflicts with Russia. In his first major speech since taking office, Rutte emphasized that the security situation is the worst in his lifetime and that NATO countries are not ready for the threats they will face in the coming years. He called for a shift to a wartime mentality, suggesting that defense spending should exceed the current 2% of GDP target, potentially reaching levels seen during the Cold War. Rutte highlighted the need for Europe to ramp up defense production and spending, warning that failure to do so could lead to a much higher price to pay in the event of a future conflict. He also mentioned the necessity for public support and sacrifices to bolster defense capabilities, especially in light of Russia's military buildup, its economy transitioning to a wartime footing, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Rutte also noted the need for more troops in Europe to deter potential Russian aggression and called for NATO allies to increase spending to 3% of GDP. He expressed concerns about China's nuclear ambitions and the need for the defense industry to innovate and increase production.