NATO Chief calls Russia’s actions “reckless and dangerous”
Opening a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, Rutte noted that the alliance is reviewing the progress made since the “historic” summit in The Hague and preparing for its next leaders’ gathering in Ankara in July 2026. He said the overall security landscape remains highly strained, emphasizing that “Russia continues to test NATO's deterrence.”
Rutte underlined that Moscow’s behavior fits into a broader pattern, repeating that “Russia has violated our airspace with jets and drones, conducted sabotage and sent spy ships into our waters. These actions are reckless and they are dangerous.”
Reports in recent months have linked Russian-origin drones to airspace intrusions in both Poland and Romania, along with disruptions at multiple European airports and military facilities. A major railway line connecting Warsaw and Kyiv was also sabotaged in November.
Poland has since stationed thousands of troops to protect vital infrastructure, while Russia denies any role.
Rutte said Russia is acting alongside other states with shared strategic aims: “It is working closely with China, North Korea and Iran to attempt to disrupt our societies and tear up the global rules,” he added.
He stated that NATO is countering these challenges through collective firmness, while European members and Canada continue increasing their defense budgets. Still, he pushed for faster action. “We cannot afford to rest on our laurels. We all need to pull our weight and fast,” he said, urging greater investment in military capabilities, industrial output, infrastructure and innovation.
With winter intensifying and Russian missile strikes continuing, Rutte stressed that Ukraine requires accelerated assistance. “Ukraine needs our support more than ever. We all want the bloodshed to stop, and I strongly welcome (US) President (Donald) Trump's continued efforts to end this war,” he said.
He also called for quicker contributions to the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a mechanism that enables European and Canadian allies to finance U.S.-made equipment for Ukraine.
Later on Wednesday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha is scheduled to brief NATO counterparts over a working lunch of the NATO–Ukraine Council, outlining Kyiv’s latest requirements and updates on its diplomatic initiatives.
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