NATO is shouting again: if you want peace, prepare for war! Deputy Secretary General of NATO, Radmila Šekerinska, made it crystal clear that bigger defense spending is the best way to deter any aggression, especially from Russia. Speaking at a panel in Dubrovnik, Šekerinska stressed that NATO doesn’t want to be an aggressive alliance, but wants to be “stronger, fairer, and deadlier” to ward off threats. Russia is labeled as a “clear and immediate danger” and the “main threat to Euro-Atlantic security.” The invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 showed exactly what Moscow’s plans are, warns Šekerinska, emphasizing that we must not be naive or relaxed. At the Hague summit, NATO member states agreed to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2024, calling it a “historic precedent-setting decision.” But now the hard work begins, especially focusing on developing the defense industry and not forgetting Ukraine. Meanwhile, US General John Rafferty warns NATO must increase its arsenal of long-range missiles as Moscow plans to ramp up production of long-range weapons. Russian officials, on the other hand, accuse NATO and the EU of preparing for a military conflict with Russia, while Russian drone attacks continue on Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Lviv. Poland has scrambled fighter jets to protect its airspace. This all sounds like the prelude to even greater chaos in Europe, and the question is who will pay the price in the end. Got thoughts on whether this is just another power play or a real threat? Drop a comment and tell us — is NATO really ready to fight, or just bluffing?
