Dutch Prime Minister Rutte stated that NATO is 25 times economically stronger than Russia, emphasizing confidence in the military forces of the Alliance.

The Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte emphasized, in a press conference after the meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, that it is essential to have confidence in our military and not to underestimate Russia. His comments come against the backdrop of rising tensions between NATO and Moscow, generated by Russian air incursions into allied airspace and sabotage activities and cyber attacks.

Rutte highlighted that the economies of NATO countries are 25 times larger than that of Russia, suggesting that the alliance is much stronger. He also mentioned that it is not necessary to shoot down Russian planes that enter NATO airspace, referring to recent incidents with Russian drones in Poland and Romania, as well as incursions by Russian fighter jets in Estonia. These activities have raised concerns and led to consultations within NATO.