The Voice News :Russia could potentially launch an attack on NATO member countries within the next four years, warned Germany’s Defense Chief, General Carsten Breuer. He believes that the alliance must begin preparations immediately to face this possible threat.
Speaking to the BBC at the ‘Shangri-La Dialogue’ in Singapore—an event organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)—General Breuer shared his concerns over Russia’s growing military capabilities.
He stated that Russia is producing around 1,500 main battle tanks annually. Not all of these tanks are being used in the Ukraine war; many are being stockpiled and incorporated into new military structures aimed at Western countries.
Furthermore, Breuer revealed that in 2024 alone, Russia manufactured 4 million 152mm artillery shells, most of which have not yet been used in the conflict with Ukraine. These insights are based on assessments by German and allied analysts.
According to these assessments, Russia may attack NATO countries in the Baltic region by 2029. However, General Breuer warned the attack could come sooner, and thus, preparations must begin now.
He emphasized that in his 40-year military career, he has never witnessed such a serious threat. Particularly, he identified the Suwałki Gap—located at the junction of Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Belarus—as a highly vulnerable area.
“The Baltic states are under direct threat from Russia,” he said. “When you’re there, you can feel it. Estonians have told us, ‘It’s like we’re close to a fire—we feel the heat, see the flames, smell the smoke.’ In Germany, we just see the smoke trail from afar.”
General Breuer suggested that Russia views the Ukraine war as part of a long-term strategic conflict. He claimed that Moscow is probing NATO’s defense infrastructure for weaknesses, citing examples such as severed undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, cyberattacks on European public transport systems, and drone surveillance over German power plants.
In light of these threats, the German defense chief called on NATO countries to increase their defense spending and build up military capabilities. “We must act now. We need to enhance our defensive strength to protect ourselves. That’s why boosting deterrence is crucial,” he said.
Despite differing opinions from Hungary and Slovakia, Breuer asserted that NATO remains united regarding the Ukraine war. “I’ve never seen such unity before. Everyone now understands the threat and is moving towards resistance and collective defense,” he noted.
His remarks signify a major shift in Germany’s defense policy. The country had long reduced defense spending, but recent developments have reversed that trend. Even Germany’s Green Party has now voted in favor of increasing military expenditure.