NATO sees no imminent Russian threat to alliance territory, says chief

TALLINN, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Wednesday that the alliance sees no imminent threat of a Russian attack on its territory, adding that it would respond if it detected a Russian military buildup indicating preparations for an attack.

This photo taken on Oct. 11, 2023 shows the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo: Xinhua)

Rutte make the remarks at a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal in Tallinn.

Meanwhile, the NATO chief called on allies to increase military assistance to Ukraine, particularly air defense support, as winter approaches.

For his part, Michal said Estonia considers continued support for Ukraine an important element of its own security.

During his visit to Estonia, Rutte is also scheduled to meet senior Estonian officials, visit the Amari Air Base and deliver a speech at Tallinn University of Technology.