The current time is the most dangerous for Europe since the end of World War II. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in a major interview with Bild.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Photo: Liesa Johannssen/Pool Photo via AP
Here are some key quotes from this conversation.
On the possibility of a Russian attack on NATO countries
"We must do two things. First, increase defense spending and ramp up production. And second, ensure that Ukraine remains as strong as possible in the fight. Because if Russia gained control over all of Ukraine, it would have colossal consequences for NATO. We would have to spend significantly more than what we agreed upon in The Hague."
On why the war cannot be ended
"The reason is Putin. He is willing to sacrifice 1.1 million of his own people. And this year he has achieved only very minor successes: minimal territorial gains, less than 1% of Ukrainian territory compared to the beginning of the year. And for this, according to our estimates, up to 1.1 million people have been killed or wounded on the Russian side. This is horrific. But this is the reality we are dealing with."
On security guarantees for Ukraine
"We must ensure that Ukraine is never attacked again after a ceasefire or peace agreement. Putin must understand that a repeat attack would be devastating for him."
On the possible deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine
"I can say the following: some European countries have made it clear that if necessary, they would be ready to participate [in such a mission] with troops. Currently, how exactly this coalition of the willing should be organized is being worked out."
On Donald Trump's involvement in negotiations
"Trump is absolutely involved in this issue. He is focused on ending this war. He is the only one who has been able to bring Putin to the negotiating table, and the only one who can ultimately force him to make peace. For this, I express great respect to him."
On Vladimir Putin
"Some say: 'If not Putin, someone even worse might come.' I can only say one thing: whatever happens in Russia, we must not be naive. We are a peaceful, defensive alliance. But we also see a global link between China and Russia. China is looking at Taiwan. And I am convinced: if China uses military force there, it will push its junior partner – Russia under Putin – to divert our attention here in Europe. Therefore, we must be ready."
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