NATO Secretary-General Warns of Potential Russian Attack Within Five Years
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned in a speech in Berlin that Russia could attack a NATO country within the next five years. He stated that Russia is covertly escalating actions against Western societies and emphasized the need for European security to prepare for a large-scale war.
This warning aligns with various Western intelligence assessments, although Russia has denied the claims, dismissing them as hysteria. The context of these concerns is Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared readiness to act if Europe desires war but has claimed not to be planning one; NATO, however, regards this claim as insincere.
A report from the Kiel Institute estimates that Russia currently produces about 150 tanks, 550 infantry fighting vehicles, 120 Lancet drones, and more than 50 artillery pieces monthly, with Western Europe remaining far from matching this output. In response, France and Germany have moved to revive voluntary military service for 18-year-olds.
The conflict has seen increased hybrid or grey-zone warfare tactics such as cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, and drone activities near airports and military bases. However, Rutte noted that a full NATO attack would carry far greater consequences.
NATO consists of 30 European countries plus Canada and the United States. Member nations have pledged to increase defense spending, with Rutte urging rapid rises in both spending and military production. He stated that although the alliance's defenses can hold for now, the risk of conflict is near.
