German Defense Minister urges NATO to prepare for potential Russian invasion
Photo: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Russia could potentially launch an attack on NATO territory within the next few years. Alliance members should prepare and avoid dismissing this threat, according to Deutsche Welle , citing German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Pistorius said that, as of now, a Russian military attack on NATO countries is not anticipated.
However, the minister noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has systematically transitioned his country's economy to a wartime footing. According to Pistorius, Russia currently produces more weapons and ammunition in a matter of months than all European Union countries combined do in a year.
The German Defense Minister suggested that by 2029 or 2030, Putin could strengthen Russia's military to a level capable of striking NATO. He emphasized the need to be prepared for the possibility that Putin might test NATO's unity in the coming years by invading a part of the Alliance's territory.
He also emphasized that ignoring the threat because it feels uncomfortable would only exacerbate the danger.
Threat of war between Russia and NATO
In early December, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on Alliance members to review their defense strategies in light of the ongoing threat posed by Russia.
Previously, Boris Pistorius stated that Germany must prepare for the possibility of war. To achieve this, the German government needs to approve a defense budget of no less than €90 billion.
Meanwhile, the American magazine Newsweek published a map outlining potential front lines in the event of Russian aggression.
