‘Time to prepare ourselves mentally for war’

“We’re not ready for what’s coming our way in four or five years.” Mark Rutte said this in his first major speech as Secretary General of NATO. To prevent the next major war, much more money must be spent on defense, but this requires the support of the residents of the NATO countries. According to the NATO chief, it is “time to prepare ourselves mentally for war”.

“I feel very honored to start a crucial conversation with the residents of NATO countries, especially in Europe and Canada,” Rutte began his speech. “You are the one I am talking to,” Rutte said. “It is your support that I need. It is your votes and actions that will determine our future security.”

His story is anything but reassuring. “I’ll be honest: the security situation doesn’t look good. It’s without a doubt the worst in my life. And I suspect in yours too.”

Watch part of Rutte’s speech here:

Rutte mentioned the war in Ukraine and the North Koreans fighting with the Russians. He thinks we should be “deeply concerned.” “I am.”

In his view, everything indicates that Russia is preparing for a “prolonged confrontation”, both with Ukraine and “with us”, referring to the NATO countries.

“Russia, China, but also North Korea and Iran are working hard to weaken North America and Europe. To undermine our freedom. They want to change the world order. Not to create a fairer system, but to create their own influence. They are testing us and the rest of the world is watching.”

For example, he expressed concerns about Chinese nuclear weapons. China is developing more and more of them and this is happening “without transparency and restrictions”.

Rutte emphasized that we are not at war, “but there is certainly no peace.” There is no direct military threat to the 32 NATO countries, but Rutte is not comfortable with it. “We’re not ready for what’s coming our way in four or five years.”

“The danger is coming at us at full speed,” the NATO chief said. “We must not look the other way. We must face it: what happens in Ukraine can happen here. We will not be safe in the future, regardless of the outcome of this war, unless we are prepared to face danger to grab.”

Rutte is confident that NATO countries can prevent “the next major war on NATO territory”. This requires a drastic change in direction. “We must all be faster and fiercer. It is time to prepare mentally for war.”

Moreover, more money must be spent on defense. As far as NATO is concerned, much needs to be done in order to have a deterrent effect. This also applies to the restoration of peace. “We are not where we want to be.” NATO member states risk falling behind China and Russia, Rutte said.

Towards the end of his story, he admitted that he knows politicians “talk a lot”, but also said they “make decisions when necessary”. “But to implement, people must support these decisions. It is in your hands. That is why I ask for your support. Action is urgent.”