NATO Secretary General: No imminent threat from Russia to Alliance territories
Mark Rutte affirmed the absence of an imminent threat from Russia, stressing the Alliance's continued support for Ukraine and US influence.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Brussels, September 30 (KUNA) -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed on Wednesday that there is no imminent threat to NATO territory from Russia, responding to warnings from Moscow regarding the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which borders the Baltic Sea and is adjacent to Poland and Lithuania. Speaking at an event organized by Euronews in Brussels, Rutte stated that NATO’s assessment of the Russian threat has not changed compared to three weeks, three months, or a year ago. He added that NATO’s response to the Russian warnings was marked by “a certain calm,” noting that “what we essentially said was: Listen. We are a defensive alliance, and you must stop making nuclear threats.” Rutte clarified that if Russia were to move militarily against Finland, any of the Baltic states, Poland, or any other NATO member, such actions would be preceded by military buildups and troop deployments. He emphasized that the United States would continue its involvement in Europe’s defense through both conventional and nuclear means. Rutte reaffirmed that NATO would maintain its current approach of supporting Ukraine and investing in its defensive capabilities. Regarding prospects for ending the war in Ukraine, Rutte said that Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no interest in negotiating a settlement. Rutte’s comments came in response to news reports alleging that Russia had warned NATO it would be prepared to use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempted to isolate Kaliningrad. (End) A.R.N. / M.A.A.
