Prepare for war with Russia: Nato chief
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that the Western world should prepare for war with Russia on a scale not seen since the days of “our grandparents and great-grandparents”.
Speaking in Berlin on Thursday (11 December), Rutte said that over the last year, Russia has become even more brazen, reckless, and ruthless towards NATO, and towards Ukraine.
“I am here today to tell you where NATO stands, and what we must do to stop a war before it starts. To do that, we need to be crystal clear about the threat. We are Russia’s next target, and we are already in harm’s way,” he said.
He warned that what is happening in Ukraine could happen to Allied countries too and that these countries had to shift to a wartime mindset.
“Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents or great-grandparents endured. Imagine it, a conflict reaching every home, every workplace, destruction, mass mobilisation, millions displaced, widespread suffering and extreme losses.
“It is a terrible thought, but if we deliver on our commitments, this is a tragedy we can prevent. NATO is here to protect one billion people, on both sides of the Atlantic. Our mission is to protect you, your families, your friends, and your future. We cannot let down our guard, and we won’t.”
Rutte added that NATO is here to protect one billion people, on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Our mission is to protect you, your families, your friends, and your future. We cannot let down our guard, and we won’t. I count on our governments to keep up with their commitments and go further and faster because we cannot falter or fail.
“Listen to the sirens across Ukraine, look at the bodies pulled from the rubble, and think of the Ukrainians who might go to sleep tonight and not wake up tomorrow. What is standing between what’s happening to them and what could happen to us? Only NATO.”
