NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed concern over Russian nuclear activity, describing it as “dangerous and reckless,” while stressing that NATO sees no immediate threat to its member states.
In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Rutte said: “Our citizens must know there is no reason to panic, because NATO possesses a strong nuclear deterrent.”
The remarks came after recent Russian drills involving strategic nuclear forces. In October, Russia conducted two tests of nuclear-capable weapons, excluding atomic warheads, as part of ongoing military developments. One of the tests involved the Poseidon underwater drone, equipped with nuclear propulsion and capable of travelling over 70 knots at depths exceeding one kilometre.
Last week, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would consider resuming nuclear tests if the United States does the same, convening a security council meeting in response to U.S. president Donald Trump’s recent comments. Trump had instructed the Pentagon to “start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis” with Russia and China.
