Russia will remain a long-term threat to NATO even after the war in Ukraine ends – Rutte

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated this at a press conference on Friday in Brussels, summing up the results of a two-day meeting of foreign ministers of NATO member states, Ukrinform reports.

“I think President Trump came and said, 'I intend to do everything possible to end this war justly and for the long term,' and that's commendable. And that's what I mean. They are working tirelessly to do that. For NATO, that's obvious. For NATO, Russia is a long-term threat, even if the war ends. Let's not be naive about Russia. Nobody is naive about Russia,” Rutte said.

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He added that there was now a need to step up efforts to end the war, by cooperating with Ukraine, engaging with and informing European states, and using the experience and practical advice provided by the United Kingdom on what steps could be taken once a ceasefire or peace agreement had been reached.

“I believe that this is how the Alliance should act, working together to achieve results. It is necessary to recognize and acknowledge that this is not only a European conflict, but also that China, North Korea and Iran are involved, supporting Russia's military action against Ukraine. This is a truly global problem,” Rutte added.

He expressed confidence that authoritarian regimes around the world are closely watching the outcome of the war in Ukraine, especially the leadership of China, which also has unresolved territorial disputes with its neighbors.

NATO foreign ministers have gathered in Brussels to discuss ways to strengthen the alliance's defence and deterrence and increase aid to Ukraine.

On April 3, a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council was held with the participation of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga.