Berlin, Sketsa.id – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivered a stark warning to member states on Thursday, stating that the alliance must urgently ramp up its defense capabilities as Russia poses a direct and imminent threat.

“We are Russia’s next target. I fear too many are quietly complacent. Too many do not feel the urgency. And too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time to act is now,” Rutte declared in a speech at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) event in Berlin.

“Conflict is at our door. Russia has brought war back to Europe. And we must be ready,” he added, as reported by Forces News.

The former Dutch Prime Minister suggested the Kremlin might be prepared to use military force against NATO within the next five years, underscoring the critical need for immediate and decisive action.

Royal Navy Tracks Russian Submarine in Tense Waters

As Rutte spoke in Berlin, the UK’s Royal Navy was actively monitoring a Russian Kilo-class submarine, the Krasnodar, and its support vessel, the Altay, as they transited from the North Sea toward the English Channel.

Specialist Merlin helicopters from 814 Naval Air Squadron and the tanker RFA Tidesurge were deployed to shadow the vessels. The UK government claims a 30% increase in threatening Russian naval activity in British waters over the past two years.

“There’s nothing like a Russian submarine to focus the mind of every sailor,” said Captain James Allen, Commanding Officer of RFA Tidesurge. “We worked together as a demonstration of presence and deterrence as we transited from the North Sea to the English Channel.”

The Royal Navy continued tracking the Russian vessels until they reached waters northwest of France, near Ushant island, before handing over surveillance duties to an unnamed NATO ally.

“Maintaining a visible presence and persistent surveillance of Russian vessels in UK waters is vital to national security,” stated Lieutenant Commander David Emery, Commanding Officer of 814 Naval Air Squadron.

Alliances Strengthen in Face of Growing Threat

This development follows the recent signing of a major defense pact between the UK and Norway, the Lunna House Agreement. The accord focuses on enhanced cooperation to counter undersea threats from Russia.

Following the announcement, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed Britain’s commitment, stating the nation would “do whatever it takes” to ensure security against Russia’s intensifying threats.

The coordinated naval operation and Rutte’s urgent warning paint a picture of a NATO alliance actively shifting to a higher state of alert, preparing for a potential confrontation that its leadership believes could be on the horizon. (*)