NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring that any attack on Poland or another NATO member would trigger a “devastating” response from the alliance.
Speaking in Warsaw alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Rutte emphasized NATO’s unwavering commitment to collective defense.
“If anyone were to miscalculate and think they can get away with an attack on Poland or any other ally, they will be met with the full force of this fierce alliance. Our reaction will be devastating,” he stated.
Rutte’s warning comes amid growing concerns from NATO’s eastern members, particularly Poland and the Baltic states, about ongoing US-Russia peace talks regarding Ukraine. Leaders fear that a settlement favorable to Moscow could enable Putin to rebuild his military and pose future threats to neighboring countries.
These concerns are heightened by uncertainty over US support for NATO, especially following statements by former US President Donald Trump questioning the extent of American involvement in European security.
In response to the perceived Russian threat, European nations have significantly increased their defense spending. Sweden has announced a $30 billion rearmament program—the largest since the Cold War—aiming to raise military spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030.
Germany has also approved a €500 billion investment in infrastructure and military upgrades, a historic shift in its traditionally conservative fiscal policies. German officials cited Russian aggression and wavering US support as key reasons for the decision.
Even countries historically hesitant about military expansion, such as Spain, are now prioritizing defense. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to boost Spain’s security and defense technology sector, responding to NATO’s two-percent spending benchmark.
The renewed push for military readiness reflects Europe’s growing concern over regional security, with NATO signaling that any aggression from Russia will be met with full force.
