NATO chief responds to Putin's threats of war against Europe

During a press conference in Brussels, Rutte responds to questions about Putin's statements, who had previously declared his alleged readiness to fight Europe if necessary.

The Secretary General stresses that he will not comment on every threatening statement made by the Kremlin leader and urged people not to exaggerate the significance of such rhetoric.

According to him, the path to peace lies in maintaining pressure on Russia and ensuring a stable supply of weapons to Ukraine so that it can defend itself effectively.

Rutte adds that it is good that diplomatic efforts are continuing, but it is critically important that Ukraine be in the strongest possible position during any negotiations.

Putin's threats

Yesterday, before meeting with US Special Representative Steve Witkoff, Putin said that Russia is ready for war against Europe, provided that Europe starts a war against Russia.

According to Putin, Moscow allegedly does not plan to start a war, but Europe, in his opinion, seeks to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and is on the side of war, putting forward proposals that are unacceptable to Russia.

He added that Europe has allegedly refused to negotiate.

"Russia is not going to fight with Europe, but if Europe starts, we are ready now. Then a situation may quickly arise where we have no one to negotiate with," said the Kremlin leader.

Not Putin's first threats and Rutte's reaction

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has reacted cautiously to Vladimir Putin's threatening rhetoric more than once. Earlier, he even commented ironically on Putin's nuclear statements, hinting that he did not take such words seriously.

In early November, Rutte was asked to comment on the meeting of the Russian Security Council, which Putin convened after the US announced new nuclear tests.

In response, the secretary general said that he had long since stopped reacting to such demonstrations.