"Russia is preparing for long-term confrontation, with Ukraine and with us," Mark Rutte said, adding: "We are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years."

Summary

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the alliance must adopt a “wartime mindset” to prepare for long-term confrontation with Russia.

Speaking in Brussels, he urged members to increase defense spending beyond the 2% GDP target, noting that only 23 of 32 members currently meet it.

Rutte emphasized boosting defense production, addressing cyber threats, and countering China’s military buildup and actions toward Taiwan.

His remarks come as Donald Trump threatens to withhold defense support from NATO members failing to meet spending commitments, raising concerns about alliance unity.

  • JeffKerman1999@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    351·
    10 days ago

    I agree, but better late than never. And absolutely better now than when putin starts bombing some civilians in a NATO country.

    • NegativeLookBehind@lemmy.worldEnglish
      242·
      10 days ago

      Finland seems to be the only member of NATO who hasn’t forgotten who their neighbors are. But yes, better late than never.

      • rammer@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        151·
        10 days ago

        Finland isn’t the only one. Poland, Baltic states remember well. Even more so than Finland. And that being said as a Finn. Their economy is just either smaller or they have a longer way to go to catch up.

      • boonhet@lemm.eeEnglish
        101·
        9 days ago

        As an Estonian, I obviously know some jokes about Finns. But I won’t go into anything weird or racist because my favourite one is actually relevant and not racist, but more like historic satire.

        It’s the Winter War. Russians in Finnish territory make camp. Then a voice from the nearby forest yells: “I’m all alone, come and get me!”

        The Russian commanders discuss for a moment and agree: Better not send just one man, or the Finn might best him. So they send ten.

        Half an hour later, nobody is back, but they again hear the Finn: “I’m still alone, come and get me!”. They send a hundred, thinking this will surely be enough.

        Finally, the commanders get really irritated to hear the Finn’s voice again, so they send a thousand, and this time one man comes back, all bloody and ragged: “Don’t listen to that lying piece of shit! There’s two of them!”