Daily Times

Russia’s growing economic and military cooperation with China, North Korea and Iran is threatening Europe, the Indo-Pacific and North America, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Tuesday.

Rutte, in what appeared to be a message to the next US administration as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, underlined the importance of transatlantic unity and continued support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Speaking before talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, Rutte outlined what he saw as the dangers posed by North Korean and Iranian military assistance for Russia.

“At the same time, China backs Russia’s economy, enables its defence industry and amplifies its narrative all over the world stage,” Rutte said.

“Russia working together with North Korea, Iran and China is not only threatening Europe, it’s threatening peace and security, yes, here in Europe, but also in the Indo-Pacific and in North America.”

Trump has criticised the scale of Western aid to Kyiv and has said he will end the conflict in Ukraine swiftly, without saying how. His victory in the US presidential election has caused concern in Kyiv and other European capitals about the degree of future U.S. commitment to helping Ukraine.