Melike Pala
21 January 2026•Update: 21 January 2026
BRUSSELS
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday warned that the global security environment remains highly dangerous, saying Russia, backed by China, Iran and North Korea, poses long-term threats that require sustained preparedness by the alliance.
In a video message to the NATO Military Committee Chiefs of Defense meeting in Brussels, Rutte described the current moment as one of “dangerous and unpredictable times,” pointing to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
"Moscow is testing us through airspace incursions, cyber attacks, sabotage and more. And it is not just Russia, China, Iran, North Korea fuel Moscow's war against Ukraine. These countries are preparing for long-term confrontation with us," he said.
"At the same time, the threat from terrorism persists and instability remains rampant in NATO's southern neighborhood. So the danger we face are clear, real and lasting, and we must remain prepared," he added.
Rutte called on NATO allies to accelerate investments in defense and innovation, particularly ahead of the NATO summit scheduled for July in Ankara, and urged European allies and Canada to take on a greater share of conventional deterrence and defense responsibilities.
Separately, Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, said the start of 2026 “continues to be extremely demanding,” citing the war in Ukraine and instability along NATO’s southern flank.
"And every day, we face cyber attacks, sabotage, coercion, and disinformation. New technology can spread these hybrid threats faster, and make them harder to trace," Dragone said.
He highlighted NATO’s continued support for Ukraine, including US-led peace initiatives and the Coalition of the Willing framework under France and the United Kingdom.
"Our support to Ukraine has grown stronger and more organized," he added.
The committee also discussed strengthening partnerships, including through the NATO-Ukraine Council, as well as engagement with Indo-Pacific partners and Georgia, stressing that modern security challenges are global and interconnected.
