NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivers a warning in Kyiv to young Russians and their families not to join Russia’s war in Ukraine, saying they would likely face death or severe harm. Speaking directly to “young Russians,” Rutte tells them they are being “sold a raw deal” and argues that the conditions for soldiers sent to fight are poor, including inadequate training and equipment. He also describes the risk to those who are mobilized or volunteer, saying they could be killed, wounded or abandoned at the front.
Rutte’s comments come alongside NATO’s stated assessment of the war’s human cost. He cites NATO figures indicating Russia is losing more than 30,000 soldiers each month, and uses that figure to underline the scale of casualties. Both outlets report that Rutte frames his message as an appeal aimed specifically at young Russians considering participation in the conflict, rather than as a general statement about the war. The remarks reflect NATO’s broader position that Russia’s campaign causes heavy losses and that recruits are unlikely to be supported effectively.
