Is NATO launching an armament program? What did Rutte say?
As Russia's advance in Ukraine continues, NATO has announced a 'need for armament' to address security concerns. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that 'all member countries must increase their defense spending against the Russian threat.'
AA
Evaluating the war in Ukraine and the defense investments of NATO members, Rutte called for the alliance's countries to arm themselves. The NATO Secretary General noted that more industrial production and defense spending are necessary to eliminate the possibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin attacking NATO territory.
Stating that Russia allocates 40 percent of its budget to defense, Rutte said the following:
''We need more weapons, ammunition, Leopard 2 tanks, and F-35 fighter jets in all NATO countries, from America to Turkey. This will deter the thought of attacking us.''
Rutte emphasized that NATO members should spend more than 2 percent on defense.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
TRUMP'S BUDGET DEMAND FROM NATO COUNTRIES
US President Donald Trump demanded that NATO countries spend more on defense. Arguing that NATO's defense budget is being shouldered by the US, the Republican President threatened economic sanctions against countries that do not increase their spending budgets. In his statements, Rutte pointed out that Trump was right.
Addressing Trump's demand that European NATO members allocate 5 percent of their gross domestic product to defense, Rutte used the following expressions:
'Trump was right about this. Thanks to his initiatives, defense spending has increased. However, we need to invest more.'
Emphasizing that Germany needs to increase its defense spending, Rutte said, 'Considering the size of the German economy, they can do much more in the production of weapons and ammunition.'
Stating that the best way to avoid war is to be prepared for war, Rutte underlined that 'the most effective method of maintaining peace' is armament. The Secretary General added that NATO members will discuss the issue of increasing defense spending in the coming months.
NATO is currently known as the world's largest military organization by budget. The organization, which has 32 members, actively participated in the offensive launched on Russia's Kursk Oblast during the Ukraine war. Russian leader Putin described the situation as 'we are at war with NATO' after the occupation of Kursk.