**NATO Secretary General Warns of Devastating Reaction to Russian Attack**
The reaction to a potential Russian attack on NATO would be “devastating,” according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He made the statement ahead of the defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels, which is taking place amidst uncertainty and tensions.
Rutte warned that if Russian President Vladimir Putin attacks NATO, he will lose. This warning comes as Allied and Ukrainian officials gather at NATO headquarters for a ministerial meeting and the 26th summit of the Ramstein-format Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG).
**Uncertainty Surrounds US Military Support**
The meetings come at an uncertain time, with U.S. President Donald Trump pushing for a quick peace deal in Ukraine while being evasive on the question of military support for the besieged country.
Trump’s return to the White House has also added uncertainty to the alliance. His past comments have raised doubts about his readiness to assist European allies in case of Russian aggression.
**Defense Spending to Be Top Agenda Item**
Rutte said that defense spending will be at the top of the agenda during the ministerial meeting, and he expects the allies to raise their spending benchmarks from 2% of GDP to “north of 3%.”
Trump has previously urged NATO partners to hike defense spending to as much as 5%, a level not achieved by any member, including the U.S., in 2024.
**Russia Launches Missile Attack on Kyiv**
Meanwhile, Russia launched a missile attack against Kyiv on February 12, killing one person and injuring four others, including a child.
