Russia could attack a NATO country within five years: Nato Secretary General

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that Russia could launch an attack on a NATO member state within the next five years.

He made the statement at an event in Germany on Thursday (December 11).

Rutte said Russia has already increased covert operations against the alliance. “We must be prepared for a type of war our grandparents faced,” he added.

The warning comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly sought a peaceful resolution to the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia has no plans to engage in war with Europe but added that the country is “ready” if Europe seeks conflict. Similar statements by Putin before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 had failed to reassure European leaders.

Putin has also accused European nations of obstructing U.S. efforts to establish peace in Ukraine, suggesting that Kyiv’s European allies are attempting to modify draft peace proposals.

Analysts believe that even if Trump mediates, the draft could ultimately favor Russia, prompting European leaders to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in revising the plan.