Scholz called russia NATO’s biggest threat

The German Armed Forces should become the "most equipped" in Europe. At the same time, the country is ready to assume the leading responsibility for the security of the contingent against the background of the biggest threat to NATO — russia.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated this, CNN writes.

"As the most populous country with the greatest economic power and the country in the center of the continent, we must achieve that our army becomes the cornerstone of conventional defense in Europe, the best-equipped force," Scholz said.

The chancellor noted that Germany is ready to assume "leading responsibility for the security of the European continent."

Scholz also stated that russian president vladimir Putin currently poses the "biggest threat" to the NATO alliance.

The German chancellor emphasized that his country allegedly performed such functions as drilling wells, providing humanitarian aid, fighting floods, and helping with vaccinations during the pandemic for too long.

"But this is not your main mission. The main task of the Bundeswehr – the German Armed Forces – is to protect freedom in Europe," says Scholz.

He also stated that Europe should take on much more responsibility within NATO against the backdrop of russia's war in Ukraine.

"We will have to get used to the fact that putin's russia will define itself as an adversary of the USA, NATO, and the EU in the near future. NATO, as before, is responsible for the collective defense of the entire Alliance with an emphasis on Europe. Reliable deterrence remains a key element," he concluded.

It is worth noting that in March of this year, Scholz already announced his intentions to create "the strongest army in Europe." He stated that the agreed special fund of 100 billion euros would significantly strengthen the German armed forces.