NATO allies “should not and should not” listen to Vladimir Putin's saber rattle because the alliance is strong and can respond to any threats, its new boss told Sky News.
Mark Rutte said that annual nuclear exercises until NATO member states, which starts next week, sends a clear signal to adversaries “that we are ready… to respond to any threat.”
The former Prime Minister of the Netherlands also spoke about the war in Russia Ukraine.
He said he doubted Ukraine was weaker because Britain and other allies had not yet been allowed to use long-range weapons to hit targets inside the country. Russiasignaling that – provided the West continues to support Kiev – “one weapons system will not change the outcome of the war.”
Mr. Rutte, who took over as Secretary General of NATO at the beginning of the month, Jens Stoltenberg met Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street on Thursday.
He also took part in a tripartite discussion with Volodymyr Zelensky, who similarly visited the British Prime Minister.
The Ukrainian leader is making a short trip to European capitals armed with what Ukraine calls “victory plan” end the invasion of Russia.
Rutte, who agreed to talk after the meetings, declined to reveal details of the Ukrainian plan but expressed hope that victory would come “as soon as possible.”
He also said it was crucial to continue supporting Kiev with weapons, training and funds to ensure that Zelensky would be in the strongest possible position in any future talks.
Asked whether Ukraine is weaker because allies such as Britain and the US have not yet given Kiev permission to use long-range weapons such as British Storm Shadow cruise missiles against targets in Russia, the NATO chief said: “I'm not sure” , is it true.
Ukrainian soldiers are training in a military camp in eastern France. Photo: Reuters
He continued: “There is a risk that we will focus entirely on one weapons system and then that will be the matter of the day… to be absolutely clear, the main issue is to ensure that military aid continues to flow into Ukraine, that we also increase industrial production in Ukraine, help them in this huge logistics, and then one weapons system will not change the outcome of the war.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that he will perceive Ukraine's use of Western long-range missiles in Russia as NATO countries directly participating in the war.
“It would fundamentally change the very essence, the nature of the conflict,” he said last month.
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Asked whether NATO allies should pay attention to the rattling of the Russian saber, Rutte answered bluntly.
“No, they shouldn't and they don't,” he said.
He continued: “NATO is strong. We can face any opponent. We have everything in place to ensure NATO's security and that we can repel any threat. And we will never be intimidated by anyone outside NATO who tries to threaten us. So it doesn't make sense, he better stop it.
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In the context of the increased threat of nuclear weapons from Russia over Ukraine, NATO is scheduled to launch its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear exercises next week.
It will be commanded by Belgium and the Netherlands, will use eight military bases and involve 2,000 personnel and 60 aircraft from 13 countries.
It involves bomber planes and fighter planes that can carry nuclear warheads. No live ammunition is used.
Asked what signal he hopes these exercises will send to the Kremlin, Rutte said: “It is very important that we test and strengthen our defenses.
“We also sent a clear message to our adversaries that we are ready… to respond to any threat.”
