NATO’s New Chief Mark Rutte Dismisses Putin’s Threats, Stresses Alliance Strength Amid Upcoming Nuclear Drills

New NATO leader Mark Rutte advises members to disregard Putin's aggressive posturing

Amid heightened threats of nuclear engagement from Russia concerning Ukraine, NATO is set to kick off its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear drills next week.

Security and Defense Editor @haynesdeborah

Thursday, October 10, 2024, 7:

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The new leader of NATO has assured Sky News that member countries are undeterred by Vladimir Putin's intimidations, emphasizing the alliance's robustness and capability to counter any potential threats.

Mark Rutte indicated that the yearly nuclear drill involving NATO countries, commencing next week, clearly communicates to opponents "our preparedness to… react to any potential threats."

The ex-leader of the Netherlands discussed the conflict in Ukraine instigated by Russia.

He expressed skepticism about Ukraine's strength diminishing due to the lack of authorization from the UK and its allies for Ukraine to deploy long-range weaponry against targets within Russia. He indicated that as long as Western support for Kyiv persists, the absence of one type of weapon system won't alter the war's final result.

Mr. Rutte, who recently assumed the role of NATO Secretary General from Jens Stoltenberg, met with Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street on Thursday.

He also engaged in a tripartite conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was also visiting the British prime minister.

The President of Ukraine is swiftly visiting several major European cities, carrying with him what Ukraine describes as a "victory plan" to terminate the Russian invasion.

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Following the discussions, Mr. Rutte, during an interview, chose not to reveal specifics concerning the Ukrainian strategy, yet expressed his desire for a swift resolution to the conflict.

He emphasized the importance of continuing to provide Kyiv with arms, training, and financial support to ensure that Mr. Zelenskyy is in the best possible stance for upcoming negotiations.

When questioned whether Ukraine's position has been compromised due to the UK and US not allowing Kyiv to deploy long-range armaments like the British Storm Shadow cruise missiles for strikes within Russia, the NATO leader responded, "I'm not sure that it is."

He added, "There's a danger that we might concentrate solely on a single type of armament, which then becomes the focal point. But it's crucial to understand that the primary concern is ensuring the steady supply of military support to Ukraine, including boosting Ukraine's own defense manufacturing capabilities and assisting with the extensive logistics involved. Relying on just one type of weaponry won't alter the overall result of the conflict."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning that if Ukraine employs Western-supplied long-range missiles on Russian territory, he would view it as direct involvement by NATO countries in the conflict.

"Last month, he stated that it would fundamentally alter the basic character and the dynamics of the conflict."

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When questioned about whether NATO allies should respond to Russian threats, Mr. Rutte was forthright.

"He firmly stated that they should not and indeed do not," he declared.

He added, "NATO is robust. We are prepared to confront any foe. We possess all the necessary resources to ensure that NATO remains protected and secure, capable of countering any danger. We will not be cowed by threats from non-NATO entities. Thus, it would be in his best interest to cease those efforts."

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Amid heightened threats of nuclear weapon use by Russia concerning Ukraine, NATO is set to commence its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear drills next week.

The initiative will be spearheaded by Belgium and the Netherlands, utilizing eight military bases and will include the participation of 2,000 personnel and 60 aircraft from 13 different countries.

Nuclear-capable bombers and fighter aircraft are participating. They are not using actual explosives.

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In response to a question about the intended message to the Kremlin from the exercise, Mr. Rutte emphasized, "It's vital that we evaluate and fortify our defense capabilities."

"We unequivocally conveyed to our opponents that we are prepared to… react to any danger."

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