NATO's 'arms' call to Europe: The goal is deterrence against Russia!

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg gave an interview to the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag ahead of the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting to be held on February 15 and the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

In the interview published today, Stoltenberg asked European countries to increase their arms production.

Stoltenberg stated that it is necessary to restructure and expand the industrial base more rapidly in order to accelerate supplies to Ukraine and replenish NATO's stockpiles.

Stoltenberg said, "This means moving from slow production in peacetime to high-tempo production in times of conflict." Stoltenberg emphasized that in free-market economies, arms-producing companies need signed contracts to increase their production.

CALL FOR DETERRENCE AGAINST RUSSIA

Stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing the Russian economy for a long war, Stoltenberg said, "Since Russia is orienting its entire economy toward war, we also need to do more for our security. As long as we invest in our security and remain united, we will continue to deter any kind of attack. NATO does not want a war with Russia. However, we need to prepare ourselves for a conflict that could last for decades." Stoltenberg added, "We are closely monitoring what Russia is doing and have increased our presence in the eastern part of the alliance. If Putin wins in Ukraine, there is no guarantee that Russian aggression will not spread to other countries. The best defense right now is to support Ukraine and invest in NATO's military capabilities. Deterrence only works when it is credible."

Stoltenberg also stated that there is currently no direct military threat from Russia to any NATO country.

News Source: İHA