NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that if Russia were to attack Poland or any NATO ally, the alliance would respond with a “devastating” retaliation. During his visit to Poland, Rutte emphasized the importance of transatlantic ties, highlighting that neither Europe nor North America could act alone due to the magnitude of global security threats. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Poland and Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) have increased defense spending and intensified military training activities out of concern that they could be Moscow’s next targets.

According to NATO’s Article 5, an attack on any member country is considered an attack on the entire alliance. Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw, Rutte warned, “Anyone thinking of attacking Poland or any other ally recklessly should know that NATO will respond with all its might. Our reaction will be devastating. This message should be crystal clear for Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and anyone considering threatening us.” However, European countries feel excluded from the ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine facilitated by the US. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged the limited influence they have on these negotiations.

Tusk also emphasized the need for NATO and Poland to be prepared for unforeseen scenarios, stating, “As the geopolitical situation evolves before our eyes, it is crucial that NATO reaffirms its commitment to defend Poland in any critical situation.” Addressing students at a university in Warsaw, Rutte underscored the importance of relations between Europe and the US. He acknowledged doubts about the strength of transatlantic ties and the US commitment to European security, stating that he expected more defense contributions from European countries. Rutte emphasized that in this process, neither Europe nor North America could act alone due to the immense burden posed by global security threats.

Furthermore, Ukraine and Russia accused each other of violating the ceasefire mediated by the US against energy attacks. The US had announced agreements with both Ukraine and Russia on Tuesday, requiring parties to cease attacks in the Black Sea and on each other’s energy infrastructure. However, statements from Moscow and Kiev indicated a lack of reconciliation between the parties. While the Kremlin claimed to have halted attacks on energy facilities since March 18, Ukrainian officials reported that Russia had targeted eight Ukrainian energy facilities since then.