NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Russia will remain a «destabilizing force» for Europe and the rest of the world in the foreseeable future. He urged member states of the alliance to prepare for a prolonged confrontation with Moscow.

Rutte emphasized that NATO must not be «naive» about the situation, stressing the need for readiness and long-term planning. He argued that the «threat» allegedly posed by Russia will persist even after the conflict in Ukraine comes to an end.

According to Rutte, Russia’s allies — including China, North Korea, Iran, and several other countries — will likely seek to undermine the existing international order.

Moscow, for its part, has repeatedly pointed to NATO’s unprecedented military activity near Russia’s western borders. The alliance continues to expand its presence in Europe, describing its actions as efforts to «contain Russian aggression.»