NATO Chief Warns Europe Could Be Russia’s Next Target, Urges Rapid Defense Boost

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that European allies must urgently strengthen their defenses, cautioning that Russia could target NATO members within the next five years. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Berlin, he said Europe must prepare for the kind of large-scale conflict seen by earlier generations.

“Conflict is at our door,” Rutte said, stressing that Russia has brought war back to Europe and that complacency is dangerous. He urged member states to speed up defense spending and weapons production, saying delays could prove costly.

NATO leaders have already agreed to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 — more than double the current target — in line with long-standing U.S. demands. While acknowledging Europe must take on more responsibility, Rutte emphasized that a strong transatlantic alliance remains essential, noting that the security of the U.S. also depends on a safe Atlantic.

He praised U.S. President Donald Trump for restarting stalled dialogue on Russia and Ukraine, saying only Washington had the leverage needed to shift talks with Putin. Still, he noted that any deal must include strong security guarantees for Ukraine and difficult conversations about territory — decisions he said must ultimately be made by Ukrainians themselves.

Separately, Russia pressed the UK to “admit” the role of a British soldier who died in Ukraine, hinting without evidence that British forces were more involved than disclosed. The UK Ministry of Defence said the soldier died in an accident while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive system, far from the front lines.

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