Russia is significantly enhancing its military capabilities, which could pose a serious threat to NATO member states within the next five years.

Even a potential ceasefire in Ukraine would allow Russia to replenish its weapon reserves for future aggression.

This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday, June 9, during a speech at the Chatham House think tank in the UK, as reported by “European Truth”.

Rutte warns of a five-year threat to NATO

According to Mark Rutte, Russia is actively increasing its military production, and if this trend continues, in five years Moscow will be capable of launching aggression against Alliance countries.

“Russia may be ready to use military force against NATO within five years,” emphasized the Secretary General.

He explained that Russia has established close cooperation with China, North Korea, and Iran, all of which are also actively expanding their armed forces and military capabilities.

“The military machine of [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin is accelerating, not slowing down. Russia is revitalizing its forces with Chinese technology and producing more weapons faster than we anticipated,” Rutte elaborated.

The NATO Secretary General noted that Russia's military production rates significantly exceed those of the Alliance countries. Rutte emphasized that in just three months, Russia produces as many artillery shells as all NATO countries combined produce in a year.

He also pointed out that this year, Russia's defense industry is expected to produce 1500 tanks, 3000 armored vehicles, and 200 Iskander-type missiles.

“Let’s not deceive ourselves. We are all now on the eastern flank. The new generation of Russian missiles is moving at speeds that are several times faster than sound.

The distance between European capitals is only a matter of minutes. There is no longer East or West. There is only NATO,” the Secretary General stated, highlighting a shift in the security paradigm in Europe.

Risks of a ceasefire in Ukraine for NATO

The NATO Secretary General also stated that a ceasefire in Ukraine could give Russia the opportunity to replenish its weapon reserves, which would pose an even greater threat to Alliance countries in the future.

When asked if it is fair to say that risks for NATO begin to rise after a sustainable ceasefire in Ukraine is achieved, Rutte responded: “This is a statement of fact, I believe.”

He agreed that Russia would start accumulating weapons after a ceasefire is declared.

According to him, even while the war against Ukraine continues, Russians still have the opportunity to build up stocks in warehouses, but this is a “debatable issue.”

“In response to your question, I mean that this is a statement of fact,” Rutte reiterated, confirming his position.