"Russia is preparing for long-term confrontation, with Ukraine and with us," Mark Rutte said, adding: "We are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years."

Summary

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the alliance must adopt a “wartime mindset” to prepare for long-term confrontation with Russia.

Speaking in Brussels, he urged members to increase defense spending beyond the 2% GDP target, noting that only 23 of 32 members currently meet it.

Rutte emphasized boosting defense production, addressing cyber threats, and countering China’s military buildup and actions toward Taiwan.

His remarks come as Donald Trump threatens to withhold defense support from NATO members failing to meet spending commitments, raising concerns about alliance unity.

  • FinishingDutch@lemmy.worldEnglish
    67·
    5 days ago

    Well, give us all a rifle, a hundred rounds and some marksmanship training, you knobhead. I’ve always been a big proponent of arming your populace in defense of a large threat from beyond your borders. And this seems like the right time to do it.

    I’ll gladly follow a week’s worth of training and do a background check if it means I get to keep a machine gun in my closet.

    • Ksin@lemmy.worldEnglish
      12·
      5 days ago

      My dude you are Dutch, if the russians make it to the Netherlands for you to shoot at then the west will already be ashes.

      • FinishingDutch@lemmy.worldEnglish
        44·
        5 days ago

        Could be. But I was also around when the Soviet Union was still a thing and reached to East Germany.

        Also, if you think I trust those shifty Belgians, you’re very wrong ;-)

      • FinishingDutch@lemmy.worldEnglish
        11·
        4 days ago

        Honestly though, a week should be fine for most purposes if we’re talking simple infantry weapons and general population readiness.

        Most weapons are so easy, a child can use them. And they do. If the average Afghan dirt farmer can use a Kalashnikov, it wouldn’t be too hard to train you or anyone to use something like an AR-15 or a Glock pistol. Or indeed even a Kalashnikov, should you be able to liberate one from an invader.

        Most people in Europe have never held a gun, much less shot one. That makes it a scary, unknown thing. A week’s worth of training should at least make people more comfortable with them and allow them to shoot one if the need arises. Think of it like learning first aid, only… the opposite.

        We’re also talking deterrence here. To make it very unappealing to invade somewhere. You’re not going on the offensive.