NATO General: Russia has begun to restore its capabilities

The Commander of NATO's multinational Northeast Corps, Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Zandrart, believes that Russia is restoring its combat capabilities despite the war in Ukraine, which threatens the Baltic region.

He said this in an interview with LRT.

"Russia is currently largely committed to its illegal war against Ukraine, but it has already begun and will continue to rebuild its capabilities separately from the war in Ukraine, and this poses an increased threat to the Baltic Sea region," von Zandrart said.

In this regard, he acknowledged that Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, who says that Russia is mobilizing its resources against NATO, is right.

"But we have to be very careful with the conclusions we draw from this. I think that the conclusions that have been translated into actions to procure and enhance the capabilities of the Lithuanian armed forces are very wise and lead in the right direction," the lieutenant general said.

He also emphasized that it is wrong to believe that it is possible to defend against Russia only by purchasing drones and air defense equipment.

"Combined land, sea, air, cyber and soft power... will still define the battlefield," he added.

Author - Olena Madiak, 04/12/2023