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Germany’s top military commander, General Carsten Breuer, issued a stark warning to NATO allies: be prepared for a potential conflict with Russia within the next four years. Speaking at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, Breuer painted a grim picture of Russia’s escalating military production, citing the manufacture of approximately 1,500 main battle tanks annually. He emphasized that these tanks aren’t solely designated for the war in Ukraine, but are also bolstering Russia’s military reserves and new formations directed towards the West.
Breuer’s assessment, based on expert analysis, suggests a possible attack on NATO’s Baltic members by 2029, though he cautioned that an earlier confrontation couldn’t be ruled out. This alarming projection underscores the urgency of NATO’s preparedness, a topic slated for discussion at the upcoming NATO summit. The General stressed the unprecedented nature of the threat posed by Russia, describing it as the most serious he’s encountered in his four decades of service.
Adding to the concern, Breuer highlighted Russia’s increased artillery ammunition production, noting that a significant portion is being stockpiled, potentially for use in a future offensive. He identified the Suwalki Gap, a strategically vulnerable area bordering Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Belarus, as a particular point of concern.
Breuer’s warning comes as NATO members grapple with defense budget considerations and underscores the gravity of the situation on the alliance’s eastern flank. An attack on any NATO member would trigger Article 5 of the alliance’s agreement, compelling other members to defend the attacked nation, a scenario that could escalate into a direct conflict between Russia and the United States.