NATO Secretary General Reaffirms Alliance Solidarity with Germany Following Leipzig Hybrid Attack

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed the annual German Heads of Mission Conference in Berlin on September 10, 2026, delivering a firm message of Alliance cohesion and collective defense. Speaking alongside German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Rutte strongly condemned recent hostile hybrid activities, including a Russian drone attack targeting logistical facilities near Leipzig airport. Rutte reassured Berlin that all 31 NATO allies stand firmly behind Germany, emphasizing that attempts by adversary nations to intimidate Western allies or disrupt ongoing military support for Ukraine would not succeed. Highlighting Germany's key leadership role within the broader "NATO 3.0" strategic transformation, the Secretary General praised Berlin's initiative to increase its core defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2029. He highlighted that European allies and Canada are stepping up to assume greater responsibility for conventional defense capabilities. Rutte specifically noted Germany's significant operational contributions on NATO's eastern flank, including the permanent deployment of an armored brigade in Lithuania and active air surveillance in the Baltic region. The NATO chief emphasized that expanding allied defense manufacturing remains critical for safeguarding European security and building economic resilience.