NATO annual report: Russia remains the biggest threat to security

Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to security in the Euro-Atlantic area.

"Over the past year, Russia has sought to challenge our security, disrupt and divide our societies – whether through airspace violations, sabotage and malicious cyber activities, or political interference and information threats," said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as he presented his Annual Report for 2025.

But according to him, NATO's response to reckless provocations – whether from Russia or others – has been clear, swift, and decisive.

On Thursday (26 March 2026), at NATO headquarters in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte presented his Annual Report for 2025.

And it is pointed out that at last year's Summit in The Hague, the allies agreed to increase defense investments to 5% of GDP.

With a 20% increase in defense spending, compared to 2024, newly released data confirmed that European Allies and Canada had taken a major step forward.

"The figures in the report speak for themselves," Rutte said. "We have made significant progress in defense investment, and NATO is stronger today than ever before."

As noted in an announcement, for the first time, all Allies reported defence spending that met or exceeded the 2014 target of 2% of GDP.

Noting this, the Secretary General commended NATO members for their strong response to a changed security environment.

"For too long, European Allies and Canada were overly dependent on American military power. We didn't take enough responsibility for our own security. But there has been a real change in mentality... And as a European, I am proud of what we are doing - the incredible progress that is being made," he added.

The Secretary General also referred to historical moments from a historic year for the Alliance.

He emphasized the creation of the Baltic Guard, to better protect against potential threats to underwater infrastructure, and the Eastern Guard, which further strengthened Allied deterrence along the eastern flank.

Rutte further underlined the importance of Allies' support for Ukraine in 2025 and beyond, describing the security of both as "closely linked".

He praised the continued impact of JATEC – the first joint NATO-Ukraine center, and the Priority Requirements List for Ukraine (PURL) – which provides billions of euros worth of vital US military equipment, paid for by Allies and partners – as examples of that unwavering support.

The Geopost