Rutte: Russia Is Failing on the Battlefield in Ukraine and Cannot Intimidate NATO

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said at a press conference in Tallinn that Russia continues its attacks on the civilian population of Ukraine and a hybrid campaign against NATO allies.

"Putin is trying to weaken our resolve and stop the support provided to Ukraine, but Russia is failing. It is failing on the battlefield in Ukraine, and they cannot intimidate us," Rutte said.

Asked whether "Russia is so foolish as to consider an attack on any NATO country," Rutte replied: "We do not think so. There is no immediate threat. However, if we see Russia massing its forces, we will respond to that."

According to Rutte, NATO's message, which Allied Supreme Commander Alexus Grinkevich also voiced earlier this week, is clear: "We will defend every inch of our territory, regardless of whether people live there or not."

According to him, NATO will never attack any country. "Never, under no circumstances will we carry out an attack on anyone, because it is not in our interests. We are a defensive alliance," Rutte said.