Mark Rutte, the new secretary general of NATO, stated that he does not perceive any imminent threat of Russia using nuclear weapons, despite the Kremlin’s “reckless and irresponsible” rhetoric.
Last week, President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia was considering changing its military doctrine to classify an attack from a non-nuclear state, like Ukraine, that receives support from a nuclear-armed state as a “joint attack.”
Putin’s comments came as Ukraine sought approval to use long-range Western missiles against military sites in Russia.
At his first press conference as the new NATO leader, Rutte stated that he endorsed Ukraine’s right to conduct such operations, but it was the responsibility of allies to remove restrictions. He also urged NATO countries to continue arming Ukraine, asserting that “the sooner we assist Ukraine, the sooner the war will conclude.”
“The cost of supporting Ukraine is significantly less than the cost we would incur if we permitted Putin to achieve his objectives,” Rutte stated, reiterating his predecessor’s dedication to advancing Ukraine towards NATO membership.
During his inaugural press conference as NATO chief, Rutte declared that his three primary objectives for his tenure as secretary general would be to strengthen NATO’s collective deterrence, support Ukraine, and establish relationships with other regions of the globe, including the Indo-Pacific.
No Imminent Nuclear Threat From Russia: Mark Rutte
