The German general tells what would happen if Putin attacked the Baltics – 2024-02-24 03:35:51

The commander of the German armed forces is sure that NATO would beat Vladimir Putin’s forces if he decided to attack the Baltics. EPA/AOP

Commander of the German Armed Forces, General Carsten Breuer is absolutely sure of the outcome, should Vladimir Putin decide to attack the Baltics.

Breuer has commented on the matter in an interview with the British newspaper Telegraph. According to him, the NATO defense alliance would defeat Putin’s forces in a possible military confrontation.

– Yes, I have no doubt about it, he answers.

– But mainly, it’s about deterrence. Based on our current assessment, a Russian attack in the near future is not one of my concerns.

Putin’s intentions to attack a NATO country have been discussed during the beginning of the year, when several parties have warned of the possibility of a new major war. Among others, the Baltic countries and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius have called to prepare for the worst.

Breuer is also asked about the possibility, feared by many, that Putin would resort to the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. He doesn’t believe in this either.

– The use of nuclear weapons would have unprecedented consequences for Russia. I don’t expect Putin to go that far, he says.

Europe’s responsibility

In the interview, Breuer also explains what he is currently focusing on as commander of the German armed forces. He says his goal is to strengthen the German armed forces.

– As commander of the defense forces, it is of primary importance to me to achieve the readiness of the German armed forces within five years, he says.

– We use the word for this Martial capability. To be ready, able and willing to fight. We are on the right track.

According to the Telegraph, Breuer’s words represent a significant change of direction, as Germany has previously been reluctant to take a leading role in European security.

Breuer points out in the interview that the focus of the exercises of the German armed forces has changed mainly to “positions and operations on NATO’s eastern side”. Germany seems to care about the borders of the entire confederation, not just its own.

Breuer also believes that Europe must take its defense into its own hands. Europe’s security should not depend on whether Joe Biden or some such president or Donald Trump is in the White House.

– Europe must take greater responsibility. Germany is already on the right track and we will do even more in the future, regardless of who wins the US elections, he says.

– We are obliged to increase our own aspirations in a world that is currently defined by several crises. This includes Germany’s role as a major European power.

German defense spending will rise to two percent of GDP this year for the first time since World War II. NATO’s 18 member countries will reach this recommendation in 2024.