NATO to Spotlight Nuclear Deterrent, Rutte Says in Push to Bolster Credibility

Overview

• In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Secretary-General Mark Rutte said NATO will more actively emphasize its nuclear capability to ensure credible deterrence.
• Rutte called NATO’s nuclear posture a perfect guarantee of allied security and said it must remain credible, reliable and effective.
• He urged explaining nuclear deterrence to the public, said there is no reason for panic, and reiterated that nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought.
• Referencing October’s Steadfast Noon drills, Rutte said the exercise sent a clear signal that the alliance can and will protect its partners from any threats.
• Recent Russian statements followed President Donald Trump’s claim that he instructed the Pentagon to resume nuclear testing, with Vladimir Putin ordering agencies to study possible test preparations and the Kremlin stressing no decision to begin tests.