Zelenskyy Warns Russia Could Attack NATO Within Five Years as NATO Defense Spending Lags; Germany, Dutch Leaders Echo Threat

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia could attack a NATO member country within the next five years as it rebuilds its military forces. Zelenskyy made the statement in an exclusive interview ahead of the NATO summit, emphasizing concerns about Russia's potential ambitions beyond Ukraine. He also criticized NATO members for the slow pace of increasing defense spending toward the alliance's target of 5% of GDP. This warning aligns with similar assessments from other officials, including Germany’s chief of defence, who suggested a possible Russian attack within four years, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who indicated the threat could materialize within three years if the conflict in Ukraine is not contained. The statements underscore growing apprehension within NATO about Russia’s intentions and the need for a firm response to deter further aggression.