"Russia is preparing for long-term confrontation, with Ukraine and with us," Mark Rutte said, adding: "We are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years."

Summary

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the alliance must adopt a “wartime mindset” to prepare for long-term confrontation with Russia.

Speaking in Brussels, he urged members to increase defense spending beyond the 2% GDP target, noting that only 23 of 32 members currently meet it.

Rutte emphasized boosting defense production, addressing cyber threats, and countering China’s military buildup and actions toward Taiwan.

His remarks come as Donald Trump threatens to withhold defense support from NATO members failing to meet spending commitments, raising concerns about alliance unity.

  • Churbleyimyam@lemm.eeEnglish
    55·
    9 days ago

    In your analogy it’s like increasing your grocery budget by 25%, knowing that you already have more than enough groceries to see you through the winter and that extra 25% will rot before it gets used. Spending that extra money on groceries has also cost you the opportunity to buy a backup generator in case the snow knocks out your power supply as well as a new starter motor for your snowmobile.

    • GreenKnight23@lemmy.worldEnglish
      52·
      9 days ago

      you do realized there’s shelf stable food that can last years…right?

      also, buying a generator or motor would also go towards your “defense budget” of your impending blizzard…

      that means you either didn’t understand the analog or you’re arguing under the false pretense that Russia isn’t a credible threat.

      and although I tend to agree that Russia is not an advanced threat, even a broken old dog is able to bite you once so we should prepare for it at least.