Rutte warns Russia: Attack Poland, consequences will be 'devastating'

(Patria) - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned Russia yesterday that any attack on Poland or another member of the alliance would trigger a "devastating" response.

Rutte spoke during a visit to Warsaw, where he gave a brief statement alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Tusk said it is important to be prepared for every possible outcome of negotiations between Russia and the United States on ending the war in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for three years.

NATO member states along the alliance's eastern border - especially Poland and the Baltic states - are extremely concerned that the negotiations could end with an agreement that favours Russia.

They fear that such an outcome would allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to rebuild military capabilities and threaten other countries in the region in the coming years.

- Neither Putin nor anyone else should think they could get away with something like that. If someone were to miscalculate the situation and think they could attack Poland or any other member of the alliance, they will be met with the full force of this solid alliance.

Our response will be devastating. That must be absolutely clear to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and to everyone who wants to attack us - Rutte said.

Rutte's warning comes at a time when the return of President Donald Trump to power has shaken the security assumptions that have been the foundation of the European-American alliance for decades.

Because of this, Europe is increasingly trying to reduce its dependence on American security protection and is planning ambitious investments in its own military industry and armaments.

Trump stated at a recent meeting with Rutte at the White House that he does not believe a peace agreement for Ukraine would lead to Russia attacking other countries.

Rutte, however, has previously warned that Russia might be capable of attacking on European soil again as early as the end of this decade.

- Let us not forget that Russia remains the most significant and darkest threat to our alliance. Let us also not forget that Russia is transitioning to a war economy - and that will strongly affect its ability to build up its army - Rutte added.