Only NATO’s military might can deter Russia, - Budrys
NATO leaders should agree at their upcoming summit in The Hague to increase defense spending to 3-3.5% of GDP, which "will more adequately reflect the needs of the Alliance than the current 2%."
According to Censor.NET, citing Evropeiska Pravda, this was stated by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.
"Words will not stop Russia, which is driven by imperialist ambitions - only NATO 's military might can do this. Europe must do its homework. We have to be ambitious in increasing defense spending, because that is the only way for us to be safe," he emphasized.
Budrys noted that each Allied country must take responsibility and "demonstrate a strong commitment to our common security through its actions".
"This is only possible by allocating funds and making defense a priority," he added.
Budrys also believes that the Kremlin should receive a clear signal that NATO has only grown stronger with the change of US leadership.
"All of this should be a strong, deterrent signal to Russia that the Alliance has not weakened, but has become stronger after the US elections. That yes, there are many questions about the future in this or that area, but defense is not one of them, and that the transatlantic bond is effective and functioning," he concluded.
