**NATO Secretary General Warns of Russian Threat**
The head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Mark Rutte, has warned that the alliance is not ready for the threats it will face from Russia in the coming years. He made this statement on December 12.
Rutte said that NATO needs to shift its mindset to a wartime mode and increase defense spending significantly. He highlighted that during the Cold War, NATO members spent more than 3% of their GDP on defense, but currently, the target is only 2%.
Russia, Rutte said, is preparing for a long-term confrontation with Ukraine and NATO allies. He expressed concern about the alliance’s future readiness, saying “We are not prepared for what awaits us in four or five years.”
**Russian Defense Spending on the Rise**
Rutte also pointed out that Russia has already shifted its economy to a wartime footing, with defense spending projected to reach 7-8% of GDP by 2025. This is the highest level since the Cold War.
**European Countries Consider Raising Defense Spending Target**
In response to Rutte’s warning, European NATO foreign ministers are reportedly considering gradually raising the alliance’s defense spending target to 3% of GDP by 2030. This would be a significant increase from the current 2% target.
**Ukraine Conflict Continues**
The conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with Russian attacks killing at least one civilian and injuring at least 11 over the past day. The situation is becoming increasingly dire, with 301 Ukrainian civilian women currently held captive by Russia.
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