NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned Russian President Vladimir Putin against any nuclear strike on Western countries. He made the remarks in an interview with the German outlet WELT.
Rutte said Russia’s president must understand that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. He urged Western leaders to speak more with the public about nuclear deterrence “so there is an understanding of how it supports our collective security.”
“When Russia reaches for nuclear rhetoric, our citizens should know there is no reason to panic, because NATO has robust nuclear deterrence resources,” the alliance chief said.
In the context of Russia’s nuclear deterrence, Rutte referenced NATO’s “Steadfast Noon” air drills held in October of this year. The annual exercise involves military aircraft capable of carrying conventional and nuclear weapons. In 2025, Steadfast Noon lasted two weeks and took place over the North Sea, with more than 70 aircraft from 14 NATO countries participating.
“Steadfast Noon was successful. It gives me absolute confidence that NATO can credibly deter nuclear-armed states. The exercise sent a clear signal to any adversary that the Alliance can and will defend its allies against any threats,” Rutte added.
In 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly brandished the country’s “nuclear triad.” In September, during the “Zapad-2025” drills, Belarusian and Russian forces practiced using the Oreshnik missile system, which can carry a nuclear warhead. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said the Oreshnik system will go on combat duty in Belarus in December.
In October, Russia tested a new Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and a new Poseidon nuclear-powered torpedo. Afterward, US President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to immediately conduct nuclear tests “on an equal footing” with other countries.
