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NATO annual report/ Russia, the biggest threat to security
2026-03-26 19:49:34 / AKTUALITET
NATO's annual report identifies Russia as "the greatest and most direct threat to our security, peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region", assessing that the Kremlin "has continued to test the Western military alliance, becoming increasingly reckless, including through airspace violations, sabotage and malicious cyber activity".
The alliance's Secretary General, Mark Rutte, presented NATO's annual report, which, among other things, states that Russia is likely to focus on targeting energy infrastructure if Moscow ever attacks NATO.
"Russia remains the biggest and most formidable threat to security in the Euro-Atlantic region. Over the past year, Russia has sought to test our security and challenge our societies, whether through airspace violations, sabotage and malicious cyber activities, or through political interference and information threats. NATO's response to thoughtless provocations, whether from Russia or others, has been clear, swift and decisive," Rutte said at a press conference.
The annual report examines NATO's main conclusions and achievements in 2025 and notes that "Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has shown that energy is likely to be the main target in any attack directed at NATO."
The document also states that “NATO identifies lessons learned from Ukraine, while intensifying exercises, training and coordination to protect critical energy infrastructure,” referring to a military exercise in September that tested the alliance’s energy security and led to “an understanding of what is needed to ensure security of supply.”
The Western Balkans, a region of strategic importance for NATO
The Western Balkans are said to be a region of strategic importance for NATO.
In the chapters referring to the region, it is stated that NATO's presence in Kosovo is key to the stability of the entire Western Balkans. It is recalled that since 1999, NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, has been working to maintain a safe environment for all communities, as well as freedom of movement.
The importance of cooperation with the European Union, the United Nations and other international actors is also emphasized.
The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is considered essential for the entire Western Balkans region.
"NATO continues to support the normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade, particularly through the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue, mediated by the EU, which is key to building a sustainable peace in the region," the Western military alliance's annual report states.
In the part referring to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the document emphasizes that the adoption of the first Individually Tailored Partnership Program for Bosnia and Herzegovina in October, as well as the delivery of the first support package within the initiative for providing strategic advice, training and practical assistance to partner countries, "have marked important turning points" in relations between Sarajevo and the alliance.
NATO's increased presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through the alliance's headquarters in Sarajevo and the Political Engagement Support Unit, has continued to provide support at the local level, engaging in defense and security.
"NATO's support for the EUFOR Althea operation, led by the European Union, within the framework of the 'Berlin Plus' agreement, has helped maintain a secure and stable environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina," the document states.
Regarding Serbia, the annual report states that contacts with this country have continued in addressing issues of regional importance and in launching initiatives for future military cooperation.
NATO member countries increase defense spending
A large part of the presented document is devoted to defense spending, which is a key demand of US President Donald Trump.
According to data from the annual report, European NATO members and Canada invested a total of $574 billion in defense during 2025, representing a 20 percent increase in real terms compared to the previous year.
"Continuing this key trend will be a priority in the coming years. For too long, European allies and Canada have relied too much on the military power of the United States of America. We have not taken enough responsibility for our security. But there is a real change in mindset, a collective recognition of our changing security environment," declared the alliance's Secretary General, Mark Rutte, assessing that great progress is being achieved. /REL
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