NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he intends to highlight the Western defense alliance’s nuclear capabilities more clearly in the future, primarily as a deterrent against Russia.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said in statements published by Die Welt newspaper on Sunday, “It is important that we talk more about nuclear deterrence with our societies to ensure that they understand how it contributes to our comprehensive security.”
He added: “When Russia uses dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric, our residents should know that there is no need to panic, because NATO has a strong nuclear deterrent, to maintain peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression.”
Nuclear power Russia invaded Ukraine more than three and a half years ago and has been at war in the neighboring country ever since. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly emphasized Russia’s nuclear weapons capabilities, also to dissuade the West from providing stronger support to Kiev.
Just over two weeks ago, Russia launched a large-scale exercise of its strategic nuclear forces in parallel with ongoing NATO nuclear exercises taking place in Europe.
Rutte: NATO is capable of protecting all allies
Rutte stressed the importance of NATO’s nuclear capabilities: “NATO’s nuclear deterrent is the ultimate guarantee of our security. It is important that our nuclear deterrent remains credible, safe and effective.”
“Putin must know that a nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought,” said Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister.