At the Munich Security Conference, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte warned that NATO allies could become "Russia's next target" and urged immediate increases in defense spending to deter large-scale conflict in Europe. He cautioned Moscow could be ready to use force against NATO within five years and called for rapid rises in allied production and budgets. Rutte stressed the need to preserve the transatlantic bond with the United States and demanded strong security guarantees for Ukraine, while saying territorial decisions must be left to Ukrainians.
Dutch Prime Minister Warns Europe: NATO Allies Could Be Russia’s Next Target
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Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte warned Thursday at the Munich Security Conference in Berlin that NATO members and other European allies could become "Russia's next target" unless allied defense spending and production rise rapidly.
Speaking as European leaders debated a peace proposal aimed at ending Russia's years-long war in Ukraine, Rutte stressed that modern conflicts no longer happen at arm's length. He said the possibility of large-scale war returning to Europe is real and urged urgent action to prevent a tragedy similar to those endured by earlier generations.
We need to be ready because conflicts ... are no longer fought at arm's length. Conflict is at our door.
Rutte warned that Moscow could be prepared to use military force against NATO within five years and sharply criticized complacency among some allies. "The time for action is now. Allied defense spending and production must rise rapidly," he said, urging governments to meet their commitments.
In June, NATO members agreed to raise a new defense-spending target to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035, a significant increase over the alliance's long-standing 2% guideline. Rutte said Europe will need to take greater responsibility for its own defense to some extent, but he also emphasized the continuing importance of a strong transatlantic bond with the United States.
Rutte's comments came as peace talks continue aiming to end Russia's war in Ukraine. - Annegret Hilse/Reuters
"It's crucial we keep the transatlantic bond as it is today," he said, noting that a secure Atlantic is essential to U.S. and European security alike. Rutte praised U.S. President Donald Trump for re-energizing talks on Russia and Ukraine and said that swift negotiations must be matched by firm security guarantees for Ukraine.
There have to be security guarantees for Ukraine of such a quality and level that Putin knows if he tries again the reaction will be devastating.
Rutte added that any negotiations over territory will be sensitive and ultimately must be decided by the Ukrainian people.
Separately, Moscow urged the United Kingdom to be more transparent about the circumstances surrounding the death of a British soldier in Ukraine, suggesting — without offering evidence publicly — that British forces may have been carrying out duties beyond those officially disclosed. The U.K. Ministry of Defence said the soldier died following a tragic accident while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front lines.
Contributed reporting by CNN's Anna Cooban, Anna Chernova and Fred Pleitgen.
