The threat of World War 3 looms larger as Mark Rutte, NATO’s new Secretary General and former Dutch Prime Minister, delivers a chilling warning, urging citizens of NATO countries including the US to adopt a “wartime mindset” and prepare for major sacrifices.
Speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Brussels, Rutte urged citizens of NATO countries to adopt a “wartime mindset” and begin sacrificing luxuries to prepare for World War 3.
Rutte emphasized the need for turbo-charged military budgets, noting that defense spending may come at the expense of social programs like healthcare and pensions.
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“On average, European countries easily spend up to a quarter of their national income on pensions, health, and social security systems,” he pointed out. “We need a small fraction of that money to make our defenses much stronger and preserve our way of life.”
His comments came alongside claims that Russia is waging “hybrid warfare” designed to destabilize Europe, with attacks increasingly reaching “our front doors, even into our homes.” He cited Russian drone swarms and unconventional tactics as urgent threats NATO must prepare for.
Admiral Rob Bauer, NATO’s senior military officer, echoed Rutte’s grim assessment. Bauer stated that European citizens must make sacrifices, abandoning “luxuries” to prioritize defense. “If you ramp up deterrence and support Ukraine, there will be less money to spend on other things,” Bauer warned.
Both officials framed these measures as essential to counter Russia’s attempts to “crush our freedom and way of life.” Rutte went as far as to say, “Freedom does not come for free.”
The remarks reflect NATO’s intensifying rhetoric as Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on and global tensions rise, raising fears that the conflict could spiral into a larger war.
With military spending already on the rise across Europe, Rutte’s comments suggest that austerity measures targeting social programs could soon follow, further destabalizing society.
The free world desperately needs leader who is committed to peace and not endless warmongering.