Nato countries' pledge to spend 5% of their economic output on defence is Donald Trump's 'biggest foreign policy success,' the alliance's chief has said. In an interview with the BBC, Mark Rutte said it was thanks to Donald Trump that Nato was stronger than it ever was, adding that Trump is good news for collective defence, for Nato and for Ukraine. The US leader has harshly criticised European allies for spending very little on defence - even threatening to withdraw US protection if they fail to do so.
The Nato chief has warned that Russia could attack allies within the next five years. Russia's President Vladimir Putin dismissed such talk as hysteria on Wednesday, asserting that discussions of a Russian threat to Europe are nonsense.
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia's military ambitions have led to the annexation of significant Ukrainian regions. Putin insists that the goals of his offensive would eventually be achieved, whether through diplomacy or military action.
Rutte remarked on the significance of NATO's unity against Russia's aggressiveness, urging implementation of previously discussed defense measures to avoid potential weakness against Russia. NATO members pledged to increase military spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035 during their summit in The Hague, citing long-term threats from Russia and terrorism.
The urgency to bolster defenses comes as NATO counters Russia’s military production capabilities, with reports indicating a significant uptick in weapon production in Russia. Rutte highlights that maintaining defense preparedness is imperative to prevent future conflicts.
The Nato chief has warned that Russia could attack allies within the next five years. Russia's President Vladimir Putin dismissed such talk as hysteria on Wednesday, asserting that discussions of a Russian threat to Europe are nonsense.
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia's military ambitions have led to the annexation of significant Ukrainian regions. Putin insists that the goals of his offensive would eventually be achieved, whether through diplomacy or military action.
Rutte remarked on the significance of NATO's unity against Russia's aggressiveness, urging implementation of previously discussed defense measures to avoid potential weakness against Russia. NATO members pledged to increase military spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035 during their summit in The Hague, citing long-term threats from Russia and terrorism.
The urgency to bolster defenses comes as NATO counters Russia’s military production capabilities, with reports indicating a significant uptick in weapon production in Russia. Rutte highlights that maintaining defense preparedness is imperative to prevent future conflicts.
