Mark Rutte warns that Putin will fail to divide the West and calls for additional support for Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Thursday in Münster that Vladimir Putin will fail in his attempt to intimidate and divide the West. Rutte argued that the Alliance’s response to Russia’s hostile actions must be to provide additional support for Ukraine.

The statement was made while accepting the International Peace of Westphalia Prize, awarded for his commitment to European unity. Rutte said that Russia continues to escalate the war, despite estimated losses of more than 40,000 people killed or seriously wounded each month.

The NATO chief warned that allied states are also targets of Russian actions. He listed cyberattacks, acts of sabotage, arson, airspace violations and drone attacks. Rutte also mentioned an incident in August at Leipzig Airport, where, according to his statement, a drone loaded with explosives allegedly attempted to destroy cargo aircraft.

In the presence of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other officials, Rutte said these attacks reflect Moscow’s “desperation.” He urged calm and assured that NATO is prepared to defend every inch of its territory.