“This Is a Defeat for Putin, We Don’t Play Games”: Rutte Says NATO Allies Are Increasing Defense Spending

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the United States remains fully committed to the Alliance, while European allies and Canada are stepping up defense spending to match Washington’s efforts, UATV English reports.

Speaking on the second day of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Rutte said this shift represents a strategic setback for Russia and a major achievement for the Alliance.

“The expectation has always been that Europeans and Canadians would increase their defense spending to match that of the United States. I believe that is entirely fair. The good news is that this is now happening. It is a major victory today, a defeat for Putin, and a victory for President Trump that Europe and Canada are doing exactly that,” Rutte said.

The NATO secretary general also said he expects the Alliance to reaffirm its long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine in the summit’s final declaration.

“Support for Ukraine is, of course, extremely important. I expect Allies today to once again reaffirm their commitment to long-term support. We will see the final outcome, but I expect a strong commitment to continue supporting Ukraine,” he said.

Rutte also expressed confidence that the summit declaration would identify Russia as a threat to Euro-Atlantic security.

Addressing Moscow directly, he delivered a clear warning on behalf of the Alliance.

“My message is this: this Alliance of one billion people across Europe, Canada, and the United States will defend every inch of our territory. NATO cannot be defeated. We are a defensive alliance. We will never attack anyone. We will defend only our way of life, our democracies, and our territory. So don’t joke with us. Don’t play games with us,” Rutte stressed.

On the first day of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held bilateral meetings with the leaders of the Netherlands, Canada, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Germany, as well as with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Later on Tuesday, Zelenskyy is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit.

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