NATO secretary general: Russia will be viewed as a long-term threat

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, responding to questions from journalists during the ongoing NATO leaders' summit in Ankara, made statements on Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and the Alliance's defense capabilities.

Responding to a question about how NATO assesses Russia, Rutte stated: "Russia will be viewed as a long-term threat."

Emphasizing that NATO will continue to strengthen its deterrence capabilities, he noted: "NATO must be as strong as possible. The Alliance needs everything related to the defense industry. We will protect our region."

Speaking about support for Ukraine, the NATO secretary general emphasized that it will continue: "We will support Ukraine very resolutely. As a result, NATO will become even stronger."

Regarding defense spending, Rutte stated that defense spending by Europe and the United States has equalized for the first time, adding that this year they will reach the level of 4%.

Commenting on the situation in the Middle East, the NATO secretary general stated that Iran should not have the capability to create nuclear weapons.

According to him, "it is extremely important that the Strait of Hormuz be fully open again."

Responding to a question about whether strikes by the United States on Iran would overshadow the summit, Rutte said: "Iran violated this ceasefire, and in response, exactly this happened."

Source: Haberler