Nato must switch to 'wartime mindset', warns secretary general

Mark Rutte urged members to "turbocharge" their defence spending to prevent future war with Russia.

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Secretary general Mark Rutte said Moscow was "preparing for long-term confrontation with Ukraine and with us", describing the current security situation as the worst in his lifetime.

"We are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years," he said in his first major speech since becoming secretary general in October, urging members to "turbocharge" their defence spending.

His comments come weeks before president-elect Donald Trump takes office, having previously suggested the US would not protect Nato allies that were failing to spend enough on defence.

Nato members have pledged to spend at least 2% of the value of their economies - measured by GDP - on defence per year by 2024.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly41x7eg71o

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