NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that he will face Russia for a long time and called on European countries to increase the production of weapons.
In a statement to the German newspaper “Welt am Sonntag”, he referred to the Ukrainian war and said that the European economy should focus much more on the production of weapons and ammunition.
“We need to improve and expand our industrial base so that we can increase our supplies to Ukraine and replenish our own stocks,” Stoltenberg said.
He stated that this means moving from slow production in times of peace to rapid production, which is necessary in times of conflict.
Stoltenberg pointed out that companies that produce weapons in free market economies need signed contracts to increase production.
Pointing out that Western countries have the means to surpass Russia in both production and investment, Stoltenberg said: “The economic and industrial power of the West surpasses Russia.”
Stoltenberg argued that if weapons production did not increase, Russian President Vladimir Putin could benefit from it and that Europe’s security would be at risk.
“Putin is preparing the Russian economy for a long war. As Russia directs its entire economy towards war, we must do more for our security,” Stoltenberg said.
Stating that progress has been made in the alliance, Stoltenberg said that in six months NATO agreements on ammunition worth 10 billion dollars were concluded.
Stoltenberg stated that he understands those who want to invest more money in education and health, but that schools, hospitals and industry are protected by the armed forces and added: “That is why it is important to invest in our security.”
Stoltenberg emphasized that no NATO country is currently under direct military threat from Russia, AA writes.
