NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance will give a “destructive” response if Russia attacks Poland or any NATO ally.

During his visit to Poland, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of the transatlantic bond, stating that Europe or North America cannot act alone, as global security threats are too significant. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Poland and the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) have increased defense spending and intensified military training activities. These countries are concerned that Moscow could be the next target. According to Article 5 of NATO, an attack on any member country is considered an attack on the entire alliance. “THE MESSAGE SHOULD BE CLEAR FOR PUTIN”

Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw, Rutte said, “Anyone thinking they can attack Poland or any other ally with a miscalculation should know that NATO will respond with full force. Our reaction will be destructive. This message must be very clear for Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and anyone considering threatening us.” Meanwhile, European countries feel excluded from the ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine facilitated by the US. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated, “Let’s be honest, our influence on these negotiations, to put it mildly, is limited.” Tusk also stressed the need for NATO and Poland to be prepared for unforeseen scenarios, stating, “As the geopolitical situation evolves before our eyes, confirming that NATO is obliged to defend Poland in every critical situation is crucial for us.” “I KNOW YOU HAVE QUESTIONS IN YOUR MIND”

Rutte addressed the importance of relations between Europe and the US during a speech at a university in Warsaw. Acknowledging concerns about the strength of the transatlantic bond and the US commitment to European security, Rutte expressed his expectation for more defense contributions from European countries to their own defense. He stated, “Neither Europe nor North America can act alone in this process. Global security threats are too significant for anyone to bear this burden alone.” ACCUSATIONS OF “VIOLATION” FROM RUSSIA AND UKRAINE

On the other hand, Ukraine and Russia accused each other of violating the ceasefire against energy attacks mediated by the US. On Tuesday, the US announced separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia, calling for the parties to cease attacks in the Black Sea and on each other’s energy infrastructure. However, statements from Moscow and Kiev indicate that the parties are still far from reaching an agreement. While the Kremlin claims to have halted attacks on energy facilities since March 18, Ukrainian presidential officials announced that Russia has targeted eight Ukrainian energy facilities since that date.