NATO urged to brace for Russian threat in strategic gaps
German General Carsten Breuer warns NATO of a potential attack by Russia within the next four years. As he stated in an interview with the BBC, one area to keep a close eye on is the Suwalki Gap, which lies along the border of Poland and Lithuania.
General Carsten Breuer, the head of German defence, warns NATO of a possible attack by Russia within the next four years. In an interview with the BBC, he emphasised that Russia poses a "very serious threat" to the Western defence bloc, unlike anything he has seen in his 40-year military career.
Rising threat from Russia
Breuer noted the significant increase in Russia's arsenal, including the production of approximately 1,500 tanks annually and 4 million artillery shells in 2024. Not all of these resources are destined for Ukraine, suggesting the possibility of their use against NATO. The Baltic states are particularly vulnerable.
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 an interview with the BBC.
The general pointed to the so-called Suwalki Gap, a tract of land connecting Lithuania and Poland, as an area particularly susceptible to Russian military activity. It has been reported that the Estonians used an analogy stating that they are somewhat close to a forest fire - "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 defence
Breuer called on NATO countries to rebuild their armed forces after years of demilitarisation. He stressed that it is necessary to increase 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 defence. This is clear to everyone. The urgency is seen - said the German military officer.
Drone attack on Russia
Meanwhile, Ukraine carried out one of the most daring attacks, using kamikaze drones to destroy equipment at two Russian military airfields. Operation "Spiderweb" led to the destruction of many aircraft, causing a stir in Russian military circles.
The Russian defence ministry called Ukraine's attack a "terrorist act." Ukraine claims to have destroyed over 40 Russian planes, including strategic bombers. The attack was dubbed Russia's "Pearl Harbour" by pro-Kremlin Telegram channels.
