Pistorius urges resistance against Putin's nuclear intimidation tactics.
In Brussels, NATO members convened to deliberate a joint strategy if there's a potential nuclear missile attack from Russia. Defense Minister Pistorius advised his peers not to fret over Putin's warnings, but focus on the defense missions of the organization.
Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius reckons that there's no risk of escalation from Putin's nuclear threats. He said, "We shouldn't get caught up in everything he says." Pistorius elaborated by saying, "Putin likes to 'fight' this hybrid war in a unique way. Sometimes he makes threats, other times, he lures us, and then he acts angry or hostile again." So, Germany and NATO must learn to respond effectively to these unpredictable moves.
NATO's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg wanted to talk with the defense ministers about "updating nuclear capabilities for the current security situation." He claimed progress had been made prior to the meeting, as the US was modernizing its nuclear arsenal in Europe.
Furthermore, Stoltenberg pointed to the Dutch announcement that would supply the first F-35 fighter jets for the so-called "nuclear sharing" program. This implies European allies could potentially release American nuclear weapons with combat aircraft in times of crisis. American atomic bombs stand stored at the Büchel Air Base in the Eifel, Germany.
Guaranteeing Ukraine aid with Trump's triumph in mind
Pistorius was pleasantly surprised with NATO's proposal to manage US weapons deliveries to Ukraine and better train Ukrainian soldiers. This, in his view, would make assistance for Kiev "even more efficient."
NATO's defense ministers accepted the plan in principle last Thursday. The aim is to keep backing Ukraine even after a possible US President Donald Trump victory. Consequently, the Europeans are supposed to take a more significant role in overseeing aid, which has previously been led by the Americans.
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In response to Putin's nuclear threats towards Ukraine, Pistorius advocated for NATO to prepare a joint strategy, emphasizing the importance of focusing on defense missions rather than reacting to Putin's warnings. The USA is modernizing its nuclear arsenal in Europe, which NATO's Secretary-General Stoltenberg mentioned during discussions about upgrading nuclear capabilities.
Despite Putin's nuclear intimidation tactics, Pistorius believes there's no significant risk of escalation. He urged European allies, including Germany, to prepare for Putin's unpredictable moves, such as threats, deception, and hostility. The proposed plan by NATO to manage US weapons deliveries to Ukraine and enhance Ukrainian soldier training could make aid more efficient, a move Pistorius supportingly welcomed.
