**Europe Must Strengthen Defenses Against Resurgent Russia, NATO Secretary General Says**
In an interview with the New York Times, published on July 5, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Europe must dramatically increase its defenses against a resurgent Russia. Citing Russia’s expansionist ambitions and questions about the reliability of the United States as an ally, Rutte emphasized the need for a united response to the growing threat.
According to Rutte, Russia is producing ammunition at a pace three times faster than NATO’s annual production, highlighting the alarming speed at which Moscow is rebuilding its military capabilities. He also noted that Russia is working closely with North Korea, China, and Iran to counter Ukraine’s defense efforts. “This is unsustainable, but the Russians are working together with the North Koreans, with the Chinese and Iranians, in fighting this unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine,” he said.
**A Secure Europe is Crucial for the US**
Rutte emphasized that a secure Arctic region is vital due to increased Chinese and Russian activity. He also stressed that a secure Atlantic Ocean is “crucial” for the United States, warning that if these regions are not secured, the U.S. would face significant problems.
The NATO Secretary General dismissed comments by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that NATO’s new defense spending targets would “bankrupt” members. Rutte described Lavrov as someone who has been making such claims since Jesus Christ was born and said he had never taken him seriously. He believes that Lavrov’s comments are evidence that the deterrence is working.
**Ukraine Crisis: A Uniting Factor for NATO**
Rutte acknowledged concerns about defense industrial output across the alliance, noting that NATO lacks sufficient personnel and industrial capacity to effectively utilize weaponry. On the subject of Ukraine, Rutte confirmed that European allies have significantly increased their financial commitment, with a total of $35 billion in military aid delivered this year.
While discussing peace talks, Rutte recognized President Donald Trump’s role in initiating dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He acknowledged that subsequent peace talks in Istanbul involved Russia sending a less serious delegation, leading to frustration among Western leaders.
**Russia Escalates Attacks on Ukraine**
The article also reported on recent escalations of attacks by Russian troops in various sectors of the conflict zone. Explosions near Vladivostok damaged gas and water pipelines supplying military facilities. U.S. investment firm BlackRock suspended work on its multibillion-dollar Ukraine recovery fund following President Trump’s election victory, prompting France to work on a replacement.
The facility developing and manufacturing drones and guided aerial bomb modules has come under attack by Russian troops trying to breach into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Commanders-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russia is ramping up attacks in the sector using large numbers of troops.
**European Leaders Condemn Attacks**
Fires broke out across Kyiv as Russia attacked the capital overnight on July 4, injuring at least 23 people and hospitalizing 14. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack, saying “who is behind those attacks is clear to all of us here.”
