Russia can't outgun NATO with its economy 25 times smaller - Alliance's chief

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated that Russia will not be able to outmatch NATO in the ongoing arms race, citing the vast disparity in economic power between Russia and NATO member states.

Speaking at the Alliance's summit in The Hague on June 24, Rutte recalled an ancient Roman maxim: "If you want peace, prepare for war," emphasising the importance of maintaining strong defences to deter aggression, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

He noted that NATO's military edge is currently under pressure from a rapidly rearming Russia, which is supported by advanced Chinese technology and armed with weapons from Iran and North Korea. "We need to unite, innovate, and deliver — and that’s exactly what this forum is all about," Rutte said.

Highlighting the economic realities, Rutte stressed that Russia’s economy is about 25 times smaller than the combined economies of the 32 NATO countries. "It is simply unthinkable that Russia, with an economy 25 times smaller than NATO’s, should be able to outproduce and outgun us," he said.

The NATO chief urged member states to increase their defence spending to maintain their edge and prevent war. "We must win this new war of production. That’s what this summit is all about," Rutte added.

For context, Russia’s economy is estimated at approximately $2 trillion, representing about 2% of global GDP, while the combined GDP of NATO countries is roughly $50 trillion.

By Khagan Isayev