NATO Secretary assures that they are 'Russia's next target'
Mark Rutte calls for increased defense spending, especially in light of the new US security strategy
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in Berlin to present some in-depth reflections on the future of the Alliance, at an event organized by the Munich Security Conference (MSC). Rutte spoke about the role of European states, called upon to assume greater responsibilities as the United States becomes increasingly unpredictable.
The new US National Security Strategy has generated unease in Europe: the document describes the European Union as weak and battered by migration problems, and no longer as a strategic partner.
“The United States remains committed to NATO”
During a visit to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Rutte attempted to convey calm, pointing out that the text also affirms that the United States remains committed to Europe and its security: “The United States remains committed to NATO,” Rutte assured.
But is this the moment for deep reflection? Probably not. These days are decisive for the fate of Ukraine, under attack by Russia.
Will the United States, which for decades was the protector of Europe, abandon Ukraine?
And what about the countries of the European Union? Merz expressed things clearly: “Nothing is as it was before. We are in a different world and we live in a different time. And this new time demands different responses than those of the past.”
Europe wants a ceasefire and security guarantees
Different times, different responses. Today that means crisis management. Can Europe, can the European NATO countries, soften the harsher demands of the US plan for peace in Ukraine?
Merz reiterated the points he considers fundamental for Europe: “We want a ceasefire in Ukraine that puts an end to this terrible war after almost four years. That ceasefire must be backed by solid guarantees, both legal and material.”
Guarantees from NATO, from the European Union, but also from the United States: “A negotiated solution must protect European security interests.“It cannot be detrimental to the European Union or NATO,” Merz maintained.
Zelensky, ready for elections in Ukraine
The question is whether Merz and Rutte, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will be able to impose these conditions. The original 28-point plan, promoted by the United States, came so close to the interests of the Russian aggressor that rumors even circulated that the text had been drafted in Moscow.
Now that project seems to have been set aside. What Trump has done recently is demand that Zelensky quickly call elections to bolster his legitimacy. In the midst of the war, Zelensky has agreed. He hardly has another option. Meanwhile, Ukraine has already presented its own plan to the United States.
Next meeting in Berlin with Starmer and Macron
While Merz and Rutte were talking, reports are circulating in Berlin Contradictory reports about what the coming days will bring. A meeting is mentioned for next Monday, December 15, in the German capital, where the Chancellor will receive Starmer and Macron. Will envoys from the United States also participate? Merz said that over the weekend all parties will “review the plans.” These plans include the eastern regions of Ukraine that would have to be ceded to Russia to end the war. Even such territorial concessions would be an imposition on the attacked country. But, apparently, they are difficult to avoid. Rutte warns of new Russian attacks. Later, at an event of the Munich Security Conference held in Berlin, Rutte issued a stark warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop after attacking Ukraine. “We are Russia’s next target.” “And we have already suffered damage,” said Rutte, alluding to NATO’s European partners. According to the organization’s secretary general, Russia attacks infrastructure in the West almost daily, divides societies through disinformation, and sows fear and terror with drone strikes. “But too many among us still don’t see the urgency. Too many believe that time is still on our side. And it isn’t.” Conceptually, Rutte argued, NATO countries should have long ago placed themselves in a kind of state of war and acted decisively to be able to defend themselves as soon as possible. But, for the moment, there is only one person capable of stopping Putin: US President Donald Trump. And the Europeans will have to try, once again, to bring him to their side, as they have done so many times before. The coming days will reveal whether they succeed.Merz maintained.
Zelensky, ready for elections in Ukraine
The question is whether Merz and Rutte, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will be able to impose these conditions. The original 28-point plan, promoted by the United States, came so close to the interests of the Russian aggressor that rumors even circulated that the text had been drafted in Moscow.
Now that project seems to have been set aside. What Trump has done recently is demand that Zelensky quickly call elections to bolster his legitimacy. In the midst of the war, Zelensky has agreed. He hardly has another option. Meanwhile, Ukraine has already presented its own plan to the United States.
Next meeting in Berlin with Starmer and Macron
While Merz and Rutte were talking, conflicting reports are circulating in Berlin about what the next few days will bring. A meeting is mentioned for next Monday, December 15, in the German capital, where the Chancellor will receive Starmer and Macron. Will envoys from the United States also participate? Merz said that over the weekend all parties will “review the plans.” These plans include the eastern Ukrainian regions that would have to be ceded to Russia to end the war. Even such territorial concessions would be an imposition on the attacked country. But, apparently, they are difficult to avoid. Rutte warns of further Russian attacks. Later, at an event of the Munich Security Conference held in Berlin, Rutte issued a stark warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop after attacking Ukraine. “We are Russia’s next target. And we have already suffered damage,” said Rutte, alluding to NATO’s European partners. According to the organization’s secretary general, Russia attacks infrastructure in the West almost daily, divides societies through disinformation, and sows fear and terror with drone strikes. “But too many among us still don’t see the urgency. Too many believe that time is still on our side. And it isn’t.” Conceptually, Rutte argued, NATO countries should have long ago placed themselves in a kind of state of war and acted decisively to be able to defend themselves as soon as possible. But, for the moment, there is only one person capable of stopping Putin: US President Donald Trump. And the Europeans will have to try, once again, to bring him to their side, as they have done so many times before. In the coming days, we will know if they succeed.Merz maintained.
Zelensky, ready for elections in Ukraine
The question is whether Merz and Rutte, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will be able to impose these conditions. The original 28-point plan, promoted by the United States, came so close to the interests of the Russian aggressor that rumors even circulated that the text had been drafted in Moscow.
Now that project seems to have been set aside. What Trump has done recently is demand that Zelensky quickly call elections to bolster his legitimacy. In the midst of the war, Zelensky has agreed. He hardly has another option. Meanwhile, Ukraine has already presented its own plan to the United States.
Next meeting in Berlin with Starmer and Macron
While Merz and Rutte were talking, conflicting reports are circulating in Berlin about what the next few days will bring. A meeting is mentioned for next Monday, December 15, in the German capital, where the Chancellor will receive Starmer and Macron. Will envoys from the United States also participate? Merz said that over the weekend all parties will “review the plans.” These plans include the eastern Ukrainian regions that would have to be ceded to Russia to end the war. Even such territorial concessions would be an imposition on the attacked country. But, apparently, they are difficult to avoid. Rutte warns of further Russian attacks. Later, at an event of the Munich Security Conference held in Berlin, Rutte issued a stark warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop after attacking Ukraine. “We are Russia’s next target. And we have already suffered damage,” said Rutte, alluding to NATO’s European partners. According to the organization’s secretary general, Russia attacks infrastructure in the West almost daily, divides societies through disinformation, and sows fear and terror with drone strikes. “But too many among us still don’t see the urgency. Too many believe that time is still on our side. And it isn’t.” Conceptually, Rutte argued, NATO countries should have long ago placed themselves in a kind of state of war and acted decisively to be able to defend themselves as soon as possible. But, for the moment, there is only one person capable of stopping Putin: US President Donald Trump. And the Europeans will have to try, once again, to bring him to their side, as they have done so many times before. In the coming days, we will know if they succeed.Together with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, they will be able to impose these conditions. The original 28-point plan, promoted by the United States, was so close to the interests of the Russian aggressor that rumors circulated that the text had been drafted in Moscow. Now that project seems to have been set aside. What Trump has done recently is demand that Zelensky quickly call elections to bolster his legitimacy. In the midst of the war, Zelensky has agreed. He hardly has another option. Meanwhile, Ukraine has already presented its own plan to the United States. Next meeting in Berlin with Starmer and Macron. While Merz and Rutte were talking, conflicting reports are circulating in Berlin about what the coming days will bring. A meeting is mentioned for next Monday, December 15, in the German capital, where the Chancellor will receive Starmer and Macron. Will envoys from the United States also participate? Merz said that over the weekend all parties will “review the plans.” These plans include the eastern Ukrainian regions that would have to be ceded to Russia to end the war. Even such territorial concessions would be an imposition on the attacked country. But, apparently, they are difficult to avoid. Rutte warns of further Russian attacks. Later, at an event of the Munich Security Conference held in Berlin, Rutte issued a stark warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop after attacking Ukraine. “We are Russia’s next target. And we have already suffered damage,” said Rutte, alluding to NATO’s European partners. According to the organization’s secretary general, Russia attacks infrastructure in the West almost daily, divides societies through disinformation, and sows fear and terror with drone strikes. “But too many among us still don’t see the urgency. Too many believe that time is still on our side. And it isn’t.” Conceptually, Rutte argued, NATO countries should have long ago placed themselves in a kind of state of war and acted decisively to be able to defend themselves as soon as possible. But, for the moment, there is only one person capable of stopping Putin: US President Donald Trump. And the Europeans will have to try, once again, to bring him to their side, as they have done so many times before. In the coming days, we will know if they succeed.Together with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, they will be able to impose these conditions. The original 28-point plan, promoted by the United States, was so close to the interests of the Russian aggressor that rumors circulated that the text had been drafted in Moscow. Now that project seems to have been set aside. What Trump has done recently is demand that Zelensky quickly call elections to bolster his legitimacy. In the midst of the war, Zelensky has agreed. He hardly has another option. Meanwhile, Ukraine has already presented its own plan to the United States. Next meeting in Berlin with Starmer and Macron. While Merz and Rutte were talking, conflicting reports are circulating in Berlin about what the coming days will bring. A meeting is mentioned for next Monday, December 15, in the German capital, where the Chancellor will receive Starmer and Macron. Will envoys from the United States also participate? Merz said that over the weekend all parties will “review the plans.” These plans include the eastern Ukrainian regions that would have to be ceded to Russia to end the war. Even such territorial concessions would be an imposition on the attacked country. But, apparently, they are difficult to avoid. Rutte warns of further Russian attacks. Later, at an event of the Munich Security Conference held in Berlin, Rutte issued a stark warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop after attacking Ukraine. “We are Russia’s next target. And we have already suffered damage,” said Rutte, alluding to NATO’s European partners. According to the organization’s secretary general, Russia attacks infrastructure in the West almost daily, divides societies through disinformation, and sows fear and terror with drone strikes. “But too many among us still don’t see the urgency. Too many believe that time is still on our side. And it isn’t.” Conceptually, Rutte argued, NATO countries should have long ago placed themselves in a kind of state of war and acted decisively to be able to defend themselves as soon as possible. But, for the moment, there is only one person capable of stopping Putin: US President Donald Trump. And the Europeans will have to try, once again, to bring him to their side, as they have done so many times before. In the coming days, we will know if they succeed.Rumors even circulated that the text had been drafted in Moscow.
Now that project seems to have been shelved. What Trump has done recently is demand that Zelensky quickly call elections to bolster his legitimacy. In the midst of the war, Zelensky has agreed. He hardly has another option. Meanwhile, Ukraine has already presented its own plan to the United States.
Next meeting in Berlin with Starmer and Macron
While Merz and Rutte were talking, conflicting reports are circulating in Berlin about what the next few days will bring. A meeting is mentioned for next Monday, December 15, in the German capital, in which the Chancellor will receive Starmer and Macron.
Will envoys from the United States also participate? Merz said that over the weekend all parties will “review the plans.” These plans include the eastern regions of Ukraine that would have to be ceded to Russia to end the war. Even such territorial concessions would be an imposition on the attacked country. But, apparently, they are difficult to avoid. Rutte warns of further Russian attacks. Later, at a Munich Security Conference event held in Berlin, Rutte issued a stark warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop after attacking Ukraine. “We are Russia’s next target. And we have already suffered damage,” said Rutte, alluding to NATO’s European partners. According to the organization’s secretary general, Russia attacks infrastructure in the West almost daily, divides societies through disinformation, and sows fear and terror with drone strikes. “But too many among us still don’t see the urgency. Too many believe that time is still on our side. And it isn’t.” Conceptually, Rutte argued, NATO countries should have long ago placed themselves in a kind of state of war and acted decisively to be able to defend themselves as soon as possible. But, for the moment, there is only one person capable of stopping Putin: US President Donald Trump. And the Europeans will have to try, once again, to bring him to their side, as they have done so many times before. In the coming days, we will know if they succeed.Rumors even circulated that the text had been drafted in Moscow.
Now that project seems to have been shelved. What Trump has done recently is demand that Zelensky quickly call elections to bolster his legitimacy. In the midst of the war, Zelensky has agreed. He hardly has another option. Meanwhile, Ukraine has already presented its own plan to the United States.
Next meeting in Berlin with Starmer and Macron
While Merz and Rutte were talking, conflicting reports are circulating in Berlin about what the next few days will bring. A meeting is mentioned for next Monday, December 15, in the German capital, in which the Chancellor will receive Starmer and Macron.
Will envoys from the United States also participate? Merz said that over the weekend all parties will “review the plans.” These plans include the eastern regions of Ukraine that would have to be ceded to Russia to end the war. Even such territorial concessions would be an imposition on the attacked country. But, apparently, they are difficult to avoid. Rutte warns of further Russian attacks. Later, at a Munich Security Conference event held in Berlin, Rutte issued a stark warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop after attacking Ukraine. “We are Russia’s next target. And we have already suffered damage,” said Rutte, alluding to NATO’s European partners. According to the organization’s secretary general, Russia attacks infrastructure in the West almost daily, divides societies through disinformation, and sows fear and terror with drone strikes. “But too many among us still don’t see the urgency. Too many believe that time is still on our side. And it isn’t.” Conceptually, Rutte argued, NATO countries should have long ago placed themselves in a kind of state of war and acted decisively to be able to defend themselves as soon as possible. But, for the moment, there is only one person capable of stopping Putin: US President Donald Trump. And the Europeans will have to try, once again, to bring him to their side, as they have done so many times before. In the coming days, we will know if they succeed.
Next meeting in Berlin with Starmer and Macron
While Merz and Rutte were talking, conflicting reports were circulating in Berlin about what the coming days would bring. A meeting was mentioned for next Monday, December 15, in the German capital, where the Chancellor would receive Starmer and Macron.
Will envoys from the United States also participate? Merz said that over the weekend all parties would "review the plans." These plans include the eastern regions of Ukraine that would have to be ceded to Russia to end the war.
Even such territorial concessions would be an imposition on the attacked country.
But, apparently, they are difficult to avoid.
Rutte warns of new Russian attacks
Later, at a Munich Security Conference event held in Berlin, Rutte issued a stark warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop after attacking Ukraine. “We are Russia’s next target. And we have already suffered damage,” Rutte said, alluding to NATO’s European partners.
According to the organization’s secretary general, Russia attacks infrastructure in the West almost daily, divides societies through disinformation, and sows fear and terror with drone strikes.
“But too many among us still don’t see the urgency. Too many believe that time is still on our side. And it isn’t.”
Conceptually, Rutte argued, NATO countries should have long ago placed themselves in a kind of wartime state and acted decisively to be able to defend themselves as soon as possible. But, for now, there is only one person capable of stopping Putin: the US president, Donald Trump. And the Europeans will have to try, once again, to bring him to their side, as they have done so many times before. In the coming days, we will know if they succeed.
Next meeting in Berlin with Starmer and Macron
While Merz and Rutte were talking, conflicting reports were circulating in Berlin about what the coming days would bring. A meeting was mentioned for next Monday, December 15, in the German capital, where the Chancellor would receive Starmer and Macron.
Will envoys from the United States also participate? Merz said that over the weekend all parties would "review the plans." These plans include the eastern regions of Ukraine that would have to be ceded to Russia to end the war.
Even such territorial concessions would be an imposition on the attacked country.
But, apparently, they are difficult to avoid.
Rutte warns of new Russian attacks
Later, at a Munich Security Conference event held in Berlin, Rutte issued a stark warning: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop after attacking Ukraine. “We are Russia’s next target. And we have already suffered damage,” Rutte said, alluding to NATO’s European partners.
According to the organization’s secretary general, Russia attacks infrastructure in the West almost daily, divides societies through disinformation, and sows fear and terror with drone strikes.
“But too many among us still don’t see the urgency. Too many believe that time is still on our side. And it isn’t.”
Conceptually, Rutte argued, NATO countries should have long ago placed themselves in a kind of wartime state and acted decisively to be able to defend themselves as soon as possible. But, for now, there is only one person capable of stopping Putin: the US president, Donald Trump. And the Europeans will have to try, once again, to bring him to their side, as they have done so many times before. In the coming days, we will know if they succeed.Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop after attacking Ukraine. “We are Russia’s next target. And we have already suffered damage,” said Rutte, alluding to NATO’s European partners. According to the organization’s secretary general, Russia attacks infrastructure in the West almost daily, divides societies through disinformation, and sows fear and terror with drone strikes. “But too many among us still don’t see the urgency. Too many believe that time is still on our side. And it isn’t.” Conceptually, Rutte argued, NATO countries should have long ago placed themselves in a kind of wartime state and acted decisively to be able to defend themselves as soon as possible. But, for the moment, there is only one person capable of stopping Putin: US President Donald Trump. And the Europeans will have to try, once again, to bring him to their side, as they have done so many times before. We'll know in the next few days if they succeed.