Ukraine is running short of interceptor missiles for its air defense systems, and the pressure could intensify during the winter months. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged European countries to provide Kiev with whatever interceptor stocks they can still spare.

Speaking at the Euronews forum in Brussels, Rutte said the Ukrainian military needs additional interceptors within the coming weeks and months. He called on allies to transfer all available missiles that can still be released from their own arsenals.

Expanding production will not solve the shortage quickly. According to the NATO chief, new manufacturing capacity, including joint facilities in Germany intended to produce PAC-2 interceptors, will not provide Ukraine with an immediate answer to the problem.

Rutte also addressed NATO’s longer-term security assessments at the same event. He said the alliance currently regards Russia as a long-term threat, while its future assessment of China will depend on how the situation develops.

Turning to Beijing, the NATO secretary general pointed to the rapid expansion of China’s military capabilities. According to the alliance’s estimates cited by Rutte, China will have around 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030. He also said Beijing is making major investments in its armed forces and argued that those resources are intended for more than military displays in the Chinese capital.

Russia has repeatedly stated that it does not pose a threat to any NATO member state. At the same time, Moscow has said it will not ignore actions that could potentially endanger its interests and remains open to dialogue on an equal basis.