Russia Still NATO’s Primary Enemy Despite China’s Rise, Says Rutte

Russia remains the primary threat to NATO, even as China continues to expand its military capabilities, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Speaking during the Ukrainian Breakfast at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21.

Rutte stressed that Moscow remains the Alliance’s central security challenge. “Our main enemy for NATO is Russia. We see that China is also building up its forces, but the primary enemy is Russia,” Rutte said.

He praised the resilience shown by Ukraine’s military and civilian population as they continue to defend the country against Russia’s war of aggression, describing their determination as extraordinary.

Rutte emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs additional military support, including fighter jets, aircraft, and weapons systems. He warned that while financial assistance has been pledged, implementation delays are undermining Ukraine’s ability to withstand ongoing Russian strikes.

“I know that the European Union has provided 90 billion, but we know that this will only be signed in April or May,” the NATO chief added.

He drew attention to the worsening humanitarian situation across Ukraine, pointing to repeated attacks on cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv.

“People are being left without water and electricity, and in Kyiv, temperatures are reaching minus 20 degrees. We have no right to lose focus on Ukraine,” Rutte said.

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According to the NATO Secretary General, continued support for Ukraine is not only a moral obligation but a matter of collective security for the entire Alliance. He stressed that assistance must be delivered without delay and coordinated closely with European partners, Canada, and the United States, which he said remain committed to backing Ukraine, including in the area of aviation.

Earlier, Finland’s President, Alexander Stubb, assured that Finland is capable of defending itself in the event of military aggression from Russia.

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