NATO: The confrontation with Russia will be long.. Rutte calls for raising the alliance's readiness

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the alliance's confrontation with Russia will not be short, calling on member countries to prepare for a prolonged confrontation, in light of what he described as "destabilizing behavior" from Moscow.



Call to raise readiness

During his participation in the defense industry forum in Romania, Rutte stated that Russia is preparing for a long-term confrontation, adding: "We cannot be naive.. we must prepare in turn."
He confirmed that "Russia will remain a force threatening the stability of Europe and the world."


The Russian side

In contrast, Moscow repeatedly expresses its concern over NATO's expanding presence in Europe and its proximity to its borders, describing it as an unjustified escalation.

Russia asserts that it is ready for any confrontation scenario and will continue to develop its military arsenal, including nuclear weapons and next-generation systems, which it claims NATO countries will not be able to reach its technical level for many years.


Wider context

Rutte's statements come at a time when the Russian-European tension curve is at its highest levels since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, with an expanding arms race and the return of military geopolitical competition between Moscow and the West to levels reminiscent of the Cold War periods.