“I do not believe that Putin wants a full-scale war against NATO. His goal is to destroy the Alliance from the inside, to test its determination and solidarity,” said Pistorius in an interview with the German newspaper “Zeit”.
He assessed that Russia shows no readiness to end the war in Ukraine and that only Putin “can immediately stop the conflict.”
Speaking about the role of the United States of America, Pistorius warned that Europe must be prepared for a scenario in which Washington partially withdraws from its security obligations.
“The Americans remain irreplaceable, especially when it comes to nuclear deterrence, but the Europeans will have to rely much more on their own capabilities in the future,” he said.
Pistorius added that weakening the transatlantic partnership would pose a serious security risk.
“Europe without the US does not have a comparable nuclear deterrent force. That is why it is in the interest of both Europe and America that NATO remains strong,” emphasized the German Minister of Defense.
He warned that Russia is carefully watching the reactions of the Alliance.
“Putin is testing the limits – the question is whether NATO always reacts decisively. This is precisely why the unity of the allies remains crucial,” Pistorius concluded.
Pistorius said that the recent talks between the European partners, the US and Ukraine, are important for aligning positions, and that the European Union’s decision to grant an interest-free loan of 90 billion euros will help Ukraine cover its military needs in the next two years.
Speaking about possible security guarantees, Pistorius stated that considerations about a multinational peacekeeping mission led by Europe are “hypothetical for now”, but he pointed out that in that case the United States of America would have to play a key role.
Pistorius emphasized that Germany continues to strengthen the Bundeswehr through increasing the number of soldiers, strengthening the reserve and accelerating the procurement of weapons, but warned that industrial capacities cannot be expanded overnight, reports Tanjug.
(Vijesti.ba)
