Rising tensions: German general warns NATO of Russian threat
German General Carsten Breuer warns NATO of a potential attack by Russia within the next four years. In an interview with the BBC, he highlighted the Suwalki Gap, which runs along the border of Poland and Lithuania, as an area of concern.
General Carsten Breuer, head of German defense, cautions NATO about a possible Russian attack in the near future. During his BBC interview, he emphasized that Russia poses a "very serious threat" to the Western defense bloc, unlike anything he has encountered in his 40-year military career.
Rising threat from Russia
Breuer noted the significant increase in Russia's arsenal, including plans to produce 1,500 tanks annually and 4 million artillery shells by 2024. Not all of these resources are destined for Ukraine, suggesting the possibility of their use against NATO. The Baltic states, in particular, are at risk.
The Baltic States are really exposed to the Russians, right? And once you are there, you really feel this... in the talks we are having over there, said General Breuer in his interview with the BBC.
The general pointed to the so-called Suwalki Gap, a stretch of land connecting Lithuania and Poland, as an area particularly susceptible to Russian military activity. As reported, Estonians use an analogy stating that they are somewhat close to a forest fire—they "feel the heat, see the flames and smell the smoke", while in Germany "you probably see a little bit of smoke over the horizon and not more."
NATO's collective defense
Breuer called on NATO countries to rebuild their armed forces after years of demilitarization. He stressed the necessity to enhance defensive and deterrent capabilities. Despite tensions within NATO, Breuer noted that the alliance is now more unified than ever.
All of them understand the threat that is at the moment approaching NATO, all understand that we have to develop a direction of deterrence, into the direction of collective defense. This is clear to everyone. The urgency is seen, said the German military officer.
Drone attack on Russia
Meanwhile, Ukraine carried out a daring attack using kamikaze drones to destroy equipment at two Russian military airfields. Operation "Spiderweb" led to the destruction of numerous aircraft, causing a stir in Russian military circles.
The Russian defense ministry labeled Ukraine's attack a "terrorist act." Ukraine claims to have destroyed over 40 Russian planes, including strategic bombers. Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels have dubbed the attack Russia's "Pearl Harbor."
