NATO stands firm: Resolute in the face of russian threats
"NATO will not be cowed by Russian threats but keep up its strong support of Kyiv," said the new NATO Secretary General. He addressed Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that the Alliance can face any threat.
"NATO will not be cowed by Russian threats but keep up its strong support of Kyiv," said Secretary General Mark Rutte. "The message to Vladimir Putin is that we will do whatever is necessary for Ukraine to win," he noted in a conversation with Reuters.
He stressed that NATO is ready to face any threat but also pointed out that the Alliance is a defensive organization, not an offensive one.
The interview occurred at the headquarters of the new mission supporting Kyiv— NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) at the U.S. Clay Barracks in Wiesbaden, Germany.
NATO exercises
The North Atlantic Alliance began its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear exercises on Monday. Over two weeks, over 60 aircraft will conduct flights over Western Europe. The exercises include fighter jets and bombers capable of carrying U.S. nuclear warheads.
According to the new NATO Secretary General, there is currently no direct threat of nuclear weapons use by Russia despite the threats made by Putin.
"It's true that Putin's nuclear rhetoric is reckless and irresponsible, but at the same time, let me make it absolutely clear, we do not see any imminent threat of nuclear weapons being used," he said.
Rutte noted that Putin seeks to discuss his nuclear arsenal and expects NATO to engage in the conversation as well. However, Rutte argued that this approach should be avoided, asserting there is no immediate danger. He stressed that if NATO were to give in to Putin’s threats, such as by scaling back support for Ukraine, it would set a dangerous precedent, signalling that Russia could achieve its objectives through mere threats of military action.
