Russia's claims against Latvia and the Baltic states are "absolutely absurd, and Russia knows it" - Rutte
Kyiv • UNN
Mark Rutte called Russia's claims against the Baltic states absurd and commented on the downing of a drone over Estonia by a NATO fighter jet. He urged Europe to strengthen its own defense.
Russian claims regarding Latvia and the Baltic states are "absolutely absurd, and Russia knows it," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday in response to questions about Russia's escalating rhetoric and threats toward Latvia and the Baltic states, UNN reports, citing The Guardian.
Details
Russia said that Latvia and potentially other Baltic states are going to give Ukraine permission to attack Russia from their territory using drones. Latvia and Ukraine have repeatedly rejected these claims as "lies."
Russian claims are absolutely absurd, and Russia knows it
Rutte also answered questions about today's incident in Lithuania.
He noted that NATO has offered a "calm, determined, and proportionate response to these drone incursions" in the region.
"If drones are coming from Ukraine, they are not there because Ukraine wanted to send a drone to Latvia, Lithuania, or Estonia. They are there because of Russia's reckless, illegal, full-scale attack that began in 2022 after, of course, what they did in Crimea in 2014 against Ukraine," Rutte said.
Rutte also mentioned yesterday's drone incident in Estonia.
He pointed out that as part of NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission, a Romanian F-16 shot down a drone over Estonia.
"It was a Ukrainian drone, but it wouldn't have been there if not for Russia's aggression," he said.
Rutte emphasized that "NATO's air defense was effective once again."
Rutte was also asked for more details about yesterday's incident in Estonia and pressed on why NATO did not shoot down other drones during similar incursions over Romania.
He indicated that he could not disclose more as it remains "confidential," but he paid tribute to Romania's reaction to yesterday's incident.
He welcomed NATO's response when a Romanian F-16 fighter jet stationed in Lithuania shot down a drone over Estonia.
He then declined to comment on whether using fighter jets is the best way to deal with drones, the publication writes.
Funding for Ukraine
Rutte was also asked about his proposals for European NATO countries to spend 0.25% of their GDP on aid to Ukraine.
Rutte proposes NATO countries allocate 0.25 percent of GDP for Ukraine14.05.26, 06:31 • 4453 views
He stated that his role is to "sometimes make bold proposals, and sometimes they won't be accepted – I don't think this one will be accepted."
Rutte noted that there is "a lot of resistance against this fixed 0.25%," but he wanted a discussion on how Ukraine will continue to receive support.
"Ukraine cannot survive without this crucial flow of American equipment, industrial products to Ukraine, including anti-missile systems, anti-missile missiles, interceptors; this is extremely important," Rutte emphasized.
He said he wants allies to be honest with each other and figure out how they can share this burden.
US Military Presence in Europe
Rutte was also asked about the prevailing confusion regarding US plans for its military presence in Europe, including the decision to withdraw some troops from Germany and Poland.
As often happens, he did not actually answer the question directly, instead speaking about how "Europeans and Canadians are massively increasing defense spending," the publication writes.
Rutte indicated that he "fully agrees" with US Vice President JD Vance's comments from last night that "Europe must play a larger role" in NATO and "take more responsibility for the conventional defense" of the continent.
Vance denied withdrawal of US troops from Europe20.05.26, 02:13 • 12922 views
"Against this background, we know that adjustments will take place. The US must focus more, for example, on Asia. This will happen over time in a structured way," Rutte said.
He pointed to yesterday's comments by NATO Supreme Allied Commander Alexus Grynkewich, who stated that the changes would not affect NATO's defense plans.
NATO Commander Confirms Withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. Troops from Europe19.05.26, 20:00 • 14209 views
On an EU Negotiator for Talks with Russia
Rutte was also asked about growing speculation regarding who might be the EU negotiator with Russia if direct talks to end the war in Ukraine ever take place, and specifically about Italian Mario Draghi as a potential candidate.
He noted that Draghi is a "close personal friend" but declined to comment.
"I think first the EU has to decide what role it will play, what role it wants to play, and then, if the answer is not yet found, there should be a debate about who can play that role, but I leave that to the EU. I think it's really for them to decide, and not for me to comment," Rutte noted.