Mark Rutte Demands Russia End Nuclear Threats to NATO

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte demanded that Russia cease its nuclear threats and end the war in Ukraine during the Euronews Defence and Space Summit in Brussels on September 30. The call followed reports that Moscow warned it could use nuclear weapons to defend the Kaliningrad exclave. Rutte stated that NATO replied to a Russian letter on the matter by emphasizing the alliance's defensive role.

While Rutte dismissed suggestions of an imminent nuclear escalation against the Baltic states, asserting that there is no immediate threat to NATO territory, other European officials expressed higher alarm. Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken characterized Russia as the biggest threat to Belgium. Rutte accused Moscow of using hybrid attacks and threats to divide allies, though he maintained that the alliance is prepared to respond to any military buildup.

Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Rutte reported that 43,000 Russian troops are killed or seriously wounded monthly. However, he warned that Ukrainian cities are facing severe strikes on energy infrastructure and a critical shortage of air-defense interceptors.