We should have no illusion: Germany says there is a threat to NATO from Russia

Berlin plans to increase defense spending due to a rise in the number of hybrid attacks by Russia against NATO. This was stated by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during a discussion at the German ambassadors’ meeting, according to Ukrinform.

He added that the threat from Russia became particularly noticeable after the drone incident at Leipzig Airport.

"This is just the latest incident against the backdrop of growing Russian aggression toward Europe and NATO... We must have no illusions: Russia not only threatens us militarily while continuing its aggressive war against Ukraine," Baerbock said.

He also recalled the growth in hybrid and cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation, strikes against critical infrastructure, as well as drone incidents that violated airspace of countries on the eastern flank of NATO.

"Russia and its partners are acting against our interests through global networks, pursuing their imperialist ambitions," Baerbock added.

He noted that in light of this, NATO must strengthen political unity. This, in particular, means increasing investments, accelerating production and purchases, since all this will allow for reliable deterrence against aggression.

Moreover, he added that this year Germany will invest approximately 2,7 percent of GDP in defense. By 2029 the share is planned to rise to 3,5 percent (more than 15 billion euros). He also stated that Berlin is actively investing in defense infrastructure, currently accounting for 1,5 percent of GDP.

Threat to NATO from Russia

As a reminder, earlier media, citing American intelligence, reported that Russia could attack NATO countries without finishing the war in Ukraine. In light of this, former European Commission official Jacques Lafitte noted that Russia needs escalation of relations with NATO, in particular to explain to its society the need for a new wave of mobilization.

We note that although the Kremlin rejects plans to attack NATO, from time to time threats to the West are voiced there. In particular, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev previously openly threatened NATO countries over their help to Ukraine.