Official: NATO should learn Russian to understand Putin’s intentions

Nikolai Patrushev, assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, stated that learning Russian could help NATO members better understand Vladimir Putin.

According to Russian media, Patrushev responded to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s remarks about the need for Europe to increase its defence spending, warning that otherwise, they would have to learn Russian.

“Learning foreign languages is a useful thing. Perhaps knowledge of Russian will help NATO members finally understand the Russian president's words that our country has no intention of attacking NATO countries,” Patrushev said.

He dismissed Rutte’s comments as “scare tactics” intended to distract Europeans from the economic challenges facing the European Union.

Alongside his call for higher defence budgets, Rutte emphasised that NATO members must also focus on developing their defence industrial base and improving capabilities in hybrid and cyber security.

In June, NATO countries agreed to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. According to a statement, “These investments will provide us with the forces, capabilities, resources, and infrastructure to increase our combat readiness and resilience, which are necessary for deterrence and defence.”

The alliance commits to spending at least 3.5% of GDP annually on core defence needs, with an additional 1.5% allocated for protecting critical infrastructure, encouraging innovation, strengthening the defence industrial base, and other goals. Members are required to submit yearly plans to reach the 5% target. A review of these targets is scheduled for 2029, considering the evolving strategic environment.

By Tamilla Hasanova