"The exact details are classified but I can share some": key takeaways from NATO Secretary General’s speech

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivered a landmark speech at Chatham House in the UK, outlining how the Alliance must transform following the upcoming summit in The Hague and what Ukraine can expect.

Given its significance, European Pravda has published a full Ukrainian translation of the speech (slightly abridged) in the article Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years. Below are the key takeaways from his speech and Q&A:

There are no second chances when it comes to our security. So, we will deliver in The Hague. Together, we will make our Alliance, stronger, fairer and more lethal.

Because of Russia, war has returned to Europe. We also face the threat of terrorism. And fierce global competition. Russia has teamed up with China, North Korea and Iran. They are expanding their militaries and their capabilities.

Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years.

Those who stand against freedom and democracy are digging in. Preparing for long-term confrontation. And trying to dominate and divide us.

History has taught us that to preserve peace, we must prepare for war. Wishful thinking will not keep us safe. We cannot dream away the danger. Hope is not a strategy.

All Allies will reach the initial target of spending 2% of GDP on defence this year. That was a pledge made way back in 2014.

At the Summit in The Hague, I expect Allied leaders will agree to spend 5% of GDP on defence.

There are two parts to this new defence spending plan. 3.5% will be invested in our core military requirements. While the rest will go towards defence and security related investments, including infrastructure and building industrial capacity.

Our decisions on defence spending are driven by NATO’s battle plans and capability targets. And last week, NATO Defence Ministers agreed ambitious new targets.

The exact details are classified but we need a 400% increase in air and missile defence. We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above. So we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies.

Spending more is not about pleasing an audience of one, it is about protecting one billion people.

The fact is, danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends.

Our decisions on defence spending are driven by NATO’s battle plans and capability targets.

…The Summit in The Hague will send a clear demand signal to industry. And industry must meet our ambition.

We all benefit from the protection our transatlantic Alliance provides. And it is vital that every member of NATO pulls their weight. Because America has carried too much of the burden for too long. America’s Allies have broad shoulders, and Europe and Canada will do more for our shared security.

And that will be backed by America’s rock-solid commitment to NATO.

NATO’s practical and political support to Ukraine continues.

And the enduring commitment by all NATO Allies to Article 5 – that an attack on one, is an attack on all – sends a powerful message. We will defend against any threat, from any direction

And there will be tough decisions to take. But let us not lose sight of what is at stake. The security of one billion people, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Of course, there will be Ukraine in the communiqué, no doubt, but don't expect endless paragraphs of restating what we already said in the past.