NATO chief calls alliance defensive, tells Russia to stop nuclear threat talk
Mark Rutte's comments come after weeks of nuclear and Article 5 rhetoric tied to Kaliningrad, with no matching military move from Moscow.
Published
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance is defensive in nature and called on Russia to stop its nuclear threats, responding to a letter from Moscow.
The exchange follows weeks of nuclear and Article 5 rhetoric tied to Kaliningrad, without any matching military move on the ground. The Kremlin has cast its posture as defensive and rooted in founding treaties rather than a new threat.
The rhetoric has hardened on both sides. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Europe is waging war against Russia, a claim made as European countries weigh a joint, NATO-style response to sabotage and cyber attacks they blame on Moscow. The Kremlin has also said its orders to control foreign assets are meant to establish outside oversight rather than seize ownership, tying the measure to what it calls rising military action by unfriendly countries against Russia.
A parallel track is also in play. Donald Trump has backed easing sanctions on Russia in exchange for a prisoner release, according to a report from the Atlantic that the White House and Treasury have not confirmed.
None of this changes NATO's stated posture or points to a new capability or threat. But it keeps defense spending and readiness in focus as European allies debate a joint response to hybrid attacks and face criticism over the pace of rearmament.