LONDON (AFP) — NATO head Mark Rutte was on Monday to urge a "quantum leap" in defense capabilities including a "400% increase" in air and missile defense to shield the alliance against Russia.

Moscow said its strikes are continued retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on its bomber planes parked deep inside Russia, including in Siberia, that infuriated the Kremlin.

The mood was buoyant and confident in the wake of Donald Trump's return to the White House earlier this year and strong election results across the continent.