In a stark warning that underscores the growing threat from Russia, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has told the United Kingdom that unless it substantially increases defence spending, it risks facing the consequences of an emboldened Kremlin. “If you do not do this, if you would not go to the 5 per cent, you could still have the National Health Service, the ­pension system et cetera, but you had better learn to speak Russian,” Rutte said.

 

The former Dutch prime minister made the remarks ahead of a crucial NATO summit scheduled for June in The Hague. The summit is expected to formalize new targets for core defence spending, raising the threshold to 3.5 per cent of GDP with an additional 1.5 per cent allocated for military infrastructure. Rutte’s warning to the UK and other member nations reflected increasing alarm over President Vladimir Putin’s military ambitions and the accelerating pace of Russia’s weapons development.

 

“All NATO countries are on the eastern flank now,” Rutte declared, noting that Russia’s advanced missile systems can now reach western NATO nations within minutes. He emphasized the widening military imbalance, stating, “Russia is producing more ammunition in three months than the whole of NATO turns out in a year.” According to Rutte, this gives Russia the potential to mount a credible attack against NATO territory within three to five years, regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine.

 

Even if peace were achieved in Ukraine, Rutte warned, the underlying threat would persist. “The danger will not disappear,” he said, explaining that Putin has reorganized the Russian economy around sustained military production, with technical support from China playing a key role. “We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies,” he added, calling for a 400 per cent increase in spending on air and missile defences.

 

When asked whether he believed tax hikes were necessary to fund such a dramatic increase, Rutte said it would be up to individual nations to determine how to meet the financial challenge. “The issue [of] how to finance that is up to national politicians. But my point is you have to do it,” he insisted.

 

While Rutte said he had a “clear view” on when NATO members should hit the 5 per cent target, he declined to reveal the timeline publicly, citing ongoing discussions among allies. “I keep that to myself because we are having these consultations now with allies, and these discussions are ongoing, and we will in the end agree on a date when we have to be there,” he said.

 

Rutte’s comments came during a Chatham House event following a meeting with Britain’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, at Downing Street. The UK has already pledged to raise its defence spending from the current 2.33 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent by 2027 and 3 per cent in the 2030s. However, Starmer acknowledged that even higher figures are on the table. “There are discussions about what the contribution should be going into the NATO conference in two or three weeks’ time,” he said.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times  2025-06-11

 

 

I'm not convinced a Russian government would be worse for UK citizens than Labour or the Conservatives have been. At least they'd solve the border problems, there's no immigrants trying to force their way into Russia.

Just nonsense. Fear rhetoric to boost the profits for the military industrial establishment payed for by the tax payer. Putin WILL NOT invade NATO countries. Russia has gone from being on it's knees to an existential global military threat. 

The Europeans seem to be begging for a war to solve their domestic problems.

 

I suspect they may well start throwing stones first. 

Mark Rutte wants every NATO to go for 5% of their GDP. 

3.5% will be to buy weapons (mostly from the US MIC)

1.5% is for a not explained "Other".

Other what?

For personal use by Ursula? Zelensky?

After messing up his country , this WEF poppet is head of nato.

They really want this war.

This is laughable if it did'nt come from such a source. Spending money on defence is good for the economy but Russia is a paper tiger. It cannot even take over its nearest neighbour even after 3 years of all out war. 

To think that it could roll its tanks into western Europe is ridiculous. Putin cannot win this war by bombing civilians and while he persues this course it'll be trench warfare that'll decide it.

Total fear mongering BS

The western propaganda machine cannot make its mind up, the claim Russia is skint, doomed yet contridict that instantly by saying crap like this

Russia going to invade Europe riding donkeys? 

You should never trust a politician, but you should use Mark Rutte as a contrarian indicator. Over the past 12 years, he has lied about everything in the Netherlands. I don't think he has changed in the meantime.

Quote

NATO Chief Urges UK to Boost Defence or Learn to Speak Russian

Got to learn Arab first, then Russian.

The man is not 100 per cent mentally.
Took the Netherlands to the abyss the 12 years he was in office.
It is also said about him, when he opens his mouth he is already lying, also he is compared to Pinocchio for the same reason.

6 hours ago, Gsxrnz said:

The Europeans seem to be begging for a war to solve their domestic problems.

 

I suspect they may well start throwing stones first. 

If anyone starts a nuclear war then they will all end up, those that are left alive that is, with only stones to throw,

7 hours ago, Gsxrnz said:

The Europeans seem to be begging for a war to solve their domestic problems.

 

I suspect they may well start throwing stones first. 

The Russians have been throwing stones and worse at Europe for years already. 

Russian or Urdu. Pick your poison.

11 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

In a stark warning that underscores the growing threat from Russia, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has told the United Kingdom that unless it substantially increases defence spending, it risks facing the consequences of an emboldened Kremlin. “If you do not do this, if you would not go to the 5 per cent, you could still have the National Health Service, the ­pension system et cetera, but you had better learn to speak Russian,” Rutte said.

 

The former Dutch prime minister made the remarks ahead of a crucial NATO summit scheduled for June in The Hague. The summit is expected to formalize new targets for core defence spending, raising the threshold to 3.5 per cent of GDP with an additional 1.5 per cent allocated for military infrastructure. Rutte’s warning to the UK and other member nations reflected increasing alarm over President Vladimir Putin’s military ambitions and the accelerating pace of Russia’s weapons development.

 

“All NATO countries are on the eastern flank now,” Rutte declared, noting that Russia’s advanced missile systems can now reach western NATO nations within minutes. He emphasized the widening military imbalance, stating, “Russia is producing more ammunition in three months than the whole of NATO turns out in a year.” According to Rutte, this gives Russia the potential to mount a credible attack against NATO territory within three to five years, regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine.

 

Even if peace were achieved in Ukraine, Rutte warned, the underlying threat would persist. “The danger will not disappear,” he said, explaining that Putin has reorganized the Russian economy around sustained military production, with technical support from China playing a key role. “We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies,” he added, calling for a 400 per cent increase in spending on air and missile defences.

 

When asked whether he believed tax hikes were necessary to fund such a dramatic increase, Rutte said it would be up to individual nations to determine how to meet the financial challenge. “The issue [of] how to finance that is up to national politicians. But my point is you have to do it,” he insisted.

 

While Rutte said he had a “clear view” on when NATO members should hit the 5 per cent target, he declined to reveal the timeline publicly, citing ongoing discussions among allies. “I keep that to myself because we are having these consultations now with allies, and these discussions are ongoing, and we will in the end agree on a date when we have to be there,” he said.

 

Rutte’s comments came during a Chatham House event following a meeting with Britain’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, at Downing Street. The UK has already pledged to raise its defence spending from the current 2.33 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent by 2027 and 3 per cent in the 2030s. However, Starmer acknowledged that even higher figures are on the table. “There are discussions about what the contribution should be going into the NATO conference in two or three weeks’ time,” he said.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times  2025-06-11

 

 

Not so long ago The Netherlands with the Rutte cabinet didn't even meet the 2% level. What a WEF chill.

10 hours ago, BritManToo said:

At least they'd solve the border problems, there's no immigrants trying to force their way into Russia.

Truth hurts... doesn't it.  And they have prisons where it's very, very cold and isolated.  I don't know who are the Russian AOC's or Congressmen Waters, but I think Russia would just open the door and let them in to inspect, then close the door before they can leave. (at least if Putin or the like is still in charge)