12.02.2026 00:31
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated regarding the possibility of Russia attacking NATO territory to establish a land connection with Kaliningrad, "No one should think they can attack us, because our response will be devastating." Rutte also emphasized the importance of the Arctic region and the North Pole for the alliance's security, announcing the launch of the "Arctic Watcher" mission due to Russia's increasing military activities and China's growing interest in the Arctic.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held a press conference ahead of the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
"I SAW THE IMPACT OF RUSSIA'S CONTINUOUS ATTACKS"
Regarding the meeting expected to take place tomorrow, Rutte said, "I look forward to hearing from the ministers about how these decisions are being implemented and what results each of them is producing to ensure our collective security." He stated that topics such as defense production and investments, as well as support for Ukraine, would be discussed at the meeting, saying, "I was there last week and saw the impact of Russia's continuous attacks, including attacks on critical infrastructure. Putin is once again trying to break the resilience of the Ukrainian people and hopes to weaken their determination. But Ukraine and its people have shown time and again that they will not give up."
NATO'S "ARCTIC WATCHER" MISSION
Rutte emphasized that the Arctic region and the North Pole have become increasingly important for the alliance's collective security, stating, "Due to Russia's increasing military activities and China's growing interest in the Arctic, it is important that we do more. That is why we have launched the Arctic Watcher mission. The Arctic Watcher brings together NATO and allied activities in the North Pole under a single comprehensive operational approach, leveraging the strength of the alliance."
In response to a question requesting more detailed information about the Arctic Watcher mission during the press conference, Rutte said, "What is new here is that for the first time we are bringing everything we do in the Arctic under a single command. By doing this, we will not only benefit from what we have done much more effectively, as we did in the Eastern Watcher and Baltic Watcher operations, but we will also create a greater impact. At the same time, we will identify what gaps exist."
"NO ONE SHOULD THINK THEY CAN ATTACK US"
During the Q&A session of the press conference, when asked whether NATO is ready to respond if Russia blocks the Suwalki Corridor, a narrow land strip that is extremely critical for NATO to establish land connection with Kaliningrad, Rutte stated, "NATO regularly conducts exercises on various scenarios. We do this in light of all relevant intelligence data, as well as concrete data regarding our deployment and capabilities. I assure you, we are ready to respond to any threat to our lines in the best possible way. No one should think they can attack us, because our response will be devastating."
DENIED THE CLAIM THAT "THE U.S. IS SENDING A MESSAGE TO NATO"
In response to a question about whether the absence of U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth from tomorrow's meeting is a message from the U.S. to NATO, Rutte said, "No, I don't believe in such a thing at all. The American top leadership, whether from the White House, the Department of Defense (Pentagon), or the State Department, is as engaged as ever. These individuals are working around the world. Of course, NATO is important, but they also need to work in the Western Hemisphere. They need to work in the Pacific as well. Therefore, I understand that the highest-level ministers may not always be here."
When asked whether they support European countries restarting dialogue with Russia, Rutte stated, "I encourage any initiative that could end this terrible war more quickly. We all know that the U.S. administration plays a key role here. It was the U.S. President who broke the deadlock. However, any initiative that could end this war and do so more quickly can be encouraged."
QUESTIONED ABOUT EUROPE NOT BEING ABLE TO DEFEND ITSELF WITHOUT THE U.S.
When reminded of his previous statements that Europe cannot defend itself without the U.S., Rutte said, "I think Europe, along with most of us in the U.S. and Canada, agrees that staying together is of great value. Because NATO exists not only to protect Europe and Canada but also the U.S. For the U.S. to remain safe in the future, it needs a secure Arctic, a secure Europe, and a secure Atlantic. Of course, Europe also needs close transatlantic cooperation to remain safe."
"EUROPE IS RAPIDLY GAINING STRENGTH"
Expressing his pride as a European in what Europe has done recently, Rutte stated, "Europe is truly taking responsibility and rapidly gaining strength. Defense investments are increasing at a dizzying pace. This year and next year, we will see much more as the additional investments from the Hague Summit begin to come into play."
In response to a question about whether they discussed the Arctic Watcher initiative with U.S. President Trump, Rutte said, "As I mentioned to the media after our meeting in Davos, we need to understand that the President is highlighting an important point here. He is very clear about Arctic security. He is also clear about the risks of the opened sea routes. This means that Russia and China will be more active in the region."
Rutte added, "Additionally, there are ongoing discussions between Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. These discussions aim to ensure the long-term security of investments in Greenland and to prevent Russia and China from gaining economic access to Greenland."
"THE U.S. IS FULLY AWARE OF THE TERRIBLE SITUATION IN UKRAINE"
In response to a question, "Do you think the U.S. administration fully understands the pressure on Ukraine and the devastation Ukraine is experiencing? Did you discuss this with Trump?" Rutte replied, "Yes, twice. However, I cannot disclose the details of our discussions." Rutte stated, "The U.S. is fully aware of the terrible situation in Ukraine. We keep each other updated through regular contacts. There is absolute clarity on this issue in the U.S."
"A STRONG U.S. PRESENCE IN EUROPE WILL CONTINUE IN THE LONG TERM"
In response to a question about the U.S. plans to reduce its military presence in Europe, Rutte said, "This is not a new situation, and the U.S., as the country with the largest military power, has to engage with multiple regions at the same time."Europe is gradually taking on more responsibility, which may mean that the U.S. will focus more on the Indo-Pacific in the long term. However, in the long term, there will continue to be a strong U.S. presence in Europe in terms of both nuclear deterrence and conventional forces," he said.
"THE MAIN TOPIC OF THE ANKARA SUMMIT WILL BE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS MADE IN THE HAGUE"
The NATO Secretary General, in response to a question about the agenda of the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara, stated, "The main topic of the Ankara Summit will be the implementation of the decisions made in The Hague. The increase in defense spending and the strengthening of defense industry capacity will also be among the key issues."