NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte wants the Alliance to more actively highlight its nuclear capabilities in the future to deter rivals, including Russia, and believes there is no reason for panic among NATO populations.

Source : German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, as reported by European Pravda

Details : Rutte believes it is important for NATO countries to speak more openly to the public about nuclear deterrence so that people understand how it contributes to our overall security.

"When Russia is using dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric, our populations must know that there is no need to panic, because NATO has a strong nuclear deterrent," he added.

The secretary general called NATO's nuclear deterrence the highest guarantee of their security, adding that it must remain reliable, safe and effective.

"And [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin must know that nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought," Rutte added.

Background :

• Last year, Rutte urged ignoring nuclear threats from the Kremlin in the context of aid to Ukraine, explaining that he saw no signs of potential use of nuclear weapons.
• In October 2025, NATO conducted its annual nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon !