NATO Must Prepare for Long-Term Confrontation with Russia Backed by China, Iran, and North Korea, Rutte Says

Speaking at a session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Dayton, U.S., NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Russia, supported by China, Iran, and North Korea, is preparing for a protracted confrontation with the West. His remarks set the tone for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, where member states are expected to commit to higher defense spending and deeper military coordination.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to Ukrinform.

“In June, NATO leaders will convene in The Hague to make crucial decisions aimed at building a stronger, fairer, and more capable Alliance,” Rutte said. “We are entering a far more dangerous world, and this moment is critical for our collective security.”

He cited the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine, intensifying global competition, terrorism, and geopolitical instability across regions like the Middle East and Asia as core threats. “Russia is aligning itself militarily with China, North Korea, and Iran. Together, they are investing in defense capabilities and preparing for enduring hostility toward the West.”

Rutte emphasized that increasing defense spending across NATO is not optional, but a fundamental prerequisite for effective deterrence and readiness. While most allies are on track to meet or exceed the 2% of GDP defense spending target agreed upon in 2014, Rutte argued this benchmark is now outdated. “Some nations are already aiming for as much as 5% of GDP. We need a bold plan to scale up investment not only in military capabilities but also in infrastructure and societal resilience.”

The NATO chief also highlighted the urgent need to boost defense production and expand the Alliance’s industrial base. “We must ramp up manufacturing, accelerate innovation, and eliminate barriers to collaboration,” Rutte noted.

In his closing remarks, he stressed that enhanced defense spending would not only strengthen security but also generate economic benefits across member states. “We must spend more and spend smarter together on the capabilities that our forces critically need.”

The June 24-25 NATO summit in The Hague is expected to focus on three strategic priorities: raising defense budgets, expanding defense industrial output, and reinforcing long-term support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Russian aggression.

As The Gaze reported earlier, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha addressed the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Spring Session with a strong appeal for unity and decisive action from Alliance members ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague.