NATO Secretary General Rutte: More than 40 thousand Russian soldiers die or are injured every month

Rutte spoke at the German Ambassadors Conference held in Berlin.

Pointing out that Russia's attacks against Ukraine continue, Rutte evaluated, "It is estimated that more than 40,000 Russian soldiers are killed or severely injured every month. Think about it for a moment, more than 40,000 people every month. Despite these heavy losses, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin shows no desire to end the war."

Rutte also noted that Russia is continuing its hybrid activities across Europe, saying, "Russia's recent hostile actions are irresponsible and dangerous, posing a threat to human life, but we are not afraid."

Expressing that these actions have had the opposite effect, Rutte stated, "If Putin or anyone else still doubts how serious we are about our defense, they need only look at the NATO Summit held in Ankara in July. The summit was a great success."

Reminding that at the Hague Summit they agreed to allocate 5 percent of Gross Domestic Product to core defense spending and defense and security-related expenditures, Rutte emphasized that allies are now making progress in this direction.

The NATO Secretary General remarked, "Following the Ankara Summit, one thing is clearly seen. Allies are determined to build a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO. We call this 'NATO 3.0'."

Recalling that there was hesitation regarding rearmament in Europe, Rutte expressed that it was thought more could be done with fewer resources and it was believed that the US would continue to carry the heavy burden.

Rutte said, "However, we have now turned this page. Today, defense and defense efforts across Europe are gaining momentum. But a more fundamental shift is also taking place. I see a real change in mindset."

"We must not be naive"

Later participating in a panel within the context of the conference, Rutte stated in his remarks there that Russia poses a long-term threat, saying:

"If we had not made the changes we have made over the last few years, we would not be in a position to defend ourselves in the long run. Today, tomorrow we can defend ourselves, but if we had not made these changes, there would be a risk when we reach 2029, 2030, and 2031. Therefore, it is critically important that we continue on this path. We must not be naive about this."

Expressing that he could not comment directly on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party winning the elections in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, Rutte evaluated, "We have an alliance of 32 countries, and whoever is elected becomes the elected government of that country. We will work with that government, and I have no doubt that the alliance will remain strong."

Similarly refraining from speaking about the possibility of the far right winning the French elections, Rutte said, "No matter the result, NATO will be here. We will stay together. We will stay strong."