(MENAFN) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Wednesday that Russia has "violated our airspace with jets and drones, conducted sabotage and sent spy ships into our waters," describing these actions as "reckless and dangerous."

Addressing the opening of the foreign ministers' gathering in Brussels, Rutte mentioned that the alliance is reviewing the progress made in reinforcing collective defense since the "historic" The Hague Summit, while simultaneously preparing for the upcoming leaders' summit in Ankara, Türkiye, in July 2026.

He emphasized that the security situation remains strained as "Russia continues to test NATO's deterrence," noting that Moscow’s activities are part of a broader pattern rather than isolated incidents.

"Russia has violated our airspace with jets and drones, conducted sabotage and sent spy ships into our waters. These actions are reckless and they are dangerous," Rutte reiterated.

In recent months, drones reportedly connected to Russia have breached Polish and Romanian airspace, caused disturbances at airports and military sites across Western Europe, and disrupted a vital rail line linking Warsaw and Kyiv in November.

In response, Poland has deployed 10,000 troops to safeguard essential infrastructure, although Russia denies any responsibility.

Rutte added that Moscow is "working closely with China, North Korea and Iran to attempt to disrupt our societies and tear up the global rules," highlighting the strategic challenges NATO faces.

He concluded by asserting that NATO is countering these threats with "strength, unity and resolve," while European allies and Canada are boosting their defense budgets.

Nevertheless, he called on member nations to accelerate their efforts to maintain security and deterrence.

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