NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that the United States has "repeatedly made clear its strong commitment" to the alliance, including in statements by US President Donald Trump. "The transatlantic partnership remains the bedrock of our alliance and this will not change," Rutte stressed.
He reiterated that Russia remains "the most significant and dire threat" to NATO, noting that it has moved toward a wartime economy, which will boost its offensive capabilities. He insisted NATO allies must increase their own defense spending to face security challenges but insisted the alliance's reaction will be "devastating" if Russia attempts to attack any of its members.
