NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte plans to emphasize the significance of the Western defense alliance's nuclear capabilities more frequently, using them primarily as a tool to deter Russia, LETA reports citing DPA.
"It is important that we talk more with our society about nuclear deterrence so that it understands how it contributes to our collective security," said NATO Secretary General in the Sunday edition of Die Welt.
According to him, "when Russia resorts to dangerous and reckless nuclear rhetoric, our citizens need to know that panic is unwarranted because NATO has powerful nuclear deterrent means to maintain peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression."
Russia, which possesses nuclear weapons, invaded Ukraine nearly four years ago and has since been engaged in combat in the neighboring country. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly emphasized Russia's nuclear potential, including to deter the West from providing stronger support to Kyiv.
Just over two weeks ago, Russia began large-scale maneuvers of its strategic nuclear forces alongside NATO's nuclear exercises taking place in Europe.
Rutte emphasized the importance of NATO's nuclear potential, stating: "NATO's nuclear deterrence is the ultimate guarantee of our security. It is important that our nuclear deterrence remains reliable, safe, resilient, and effective."
"And Putin must understand that there is no winning in a nuclear war — and we cannot allow anyone to win it," Rutte added.
