Rutte warns Russia could target NATO energy systems, citing lessons from Ukraine
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte acknowledged Russia as one of the biggest threats to the alliance (Photo: REUTERS/Tom Nicholson)
If Russia attacks NATO countries, one of its main targets could
be energy infrastructure — a threat already demonstrated by the war in Ukraine,
according to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s 2025 annual report
released on March 26.
“Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine has shown that
energy will likely be one of the main targets in the event of any attack
against NATO,” the report said. Rutte also described Russia as one of the
alliance’s gravest threats and said NATO is “learning lessons from Ukraine.”
Rutte said Russia tested NATO throughout 2025 with “increasingly
brazen actions, including airspace violations, sabotage and criminal
cyberactivity.” In outlining efforts to strengthen protection for critical
infrastructure, the secretary-general also cited the Baltic Sentry and Eastern
Sentry missions launched in 2025.
The report said NATO would continue its “practical support”
for Ukraine and efforts to achieve a “just and lasting peace.” Rutte also
highlighted the PURL initiative introduced in July 2025.
He also stressed that NATO is working on plans to integrate
Ukraine’s defense industry “into the industrial ecosystem of the allies.”
According to the report, NATO’s European members and Canada
spent a combined $574 billion on defense in 2025 — up 20% in real terms from
2024.
Among European countries, only the Czech Republic and
Hungary cut defense spending adjusted for inflation compared with 2024. The
highest shares were posted by Poland at 4.3% of GDP, the Baltic states at
3.4%–4%, Denmark at 3.3% and Norway at 3.2%.
For the first time, all 32 allies met the target of spending 2% of GDP on defense — a goal first set in 2014.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
