NATO chief: We are stronger than Russia

Maria Tadeo, Euronews' editor-in-chief for Europe, brings this week an analysis of developments in Brussels and an exclusive interview with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Rutte, a former prime minister of the Netherlands, is known for his calm and pragmatic approach to politics.

At NATO, he is trying to maintain the unity of the alliance and close relations with US President Donald Trump, while the war in Ukraine continues and tensions on NATO's eastern flank remain high, euronews writes.

In the interview, Rutte confirmed that NATO has responded to a threatening letter from Russia, in which Moscow warned of using its entire arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if Russian territory was threatened.

Rutte said Russia must end the war in Ukraine and stop nuclear threats.

However, he stressed that there is no immediate threat to NATO territory, aiming to calm concerns in the Baltic countries, where incidents and hybrid attacks linked to Russia have increased.

Rutte described NATO as much more powerful than Russia, but warned that Moscow could still cause major damage.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is facing intensified air attacks and is seeking more air defense systems, including Patriot.

Another important issue is the increase in defense spending.

NATO countries have pledged to spend 5% of GDP on defense, while Europe is facing the question of whether these funds should go primarily to the American arms industry or to strengthening the European defense industry.

According to the analysis, this dilemma could be one of the key issues of NATO's future, as the US is considering a more limited role in Europe and demands that European allies take more responsibility for the continent's security.