Frederic Vancina has said the bloc should build up its security by 2030 to deter Russia even without US support.
Belgian Chief of General Staff Frederic Vansina has said European countries have about four years to strengthen their defenses to prevent a Russian attack without US support. Moscow has dismissed speculation about plans to attack NATO as nonsense.
In an interview with Le Soir published on Friday, Vancina acknowledged that Russia does not pose an immediate threat to the West.
“I don’t want to scare the population. The Russians are not going to attack us immediately, ever,” He said – However, adding that the world is “It is the most volatile period since the end of the Cold War…Everyone is fully preparing themselves.”
Vancina underlined the need for European militarization within a few years, emphasizing that Ukrainians are “Buying us time,” And “That’s why we support them so strongly.”
As per general, the target date is 2030. “We hope that by then the war in Ukraine will be over. Russia will be there with its army of 650,000 to 700,000 experienced soldiers. So, in 2030, we should be able to tell (Russian President) Vladimir Putin that, even without the Americans, he will not be able to win the war against Europe.”
Vansina suggested that the full European “Strategic Autonomy” This can be achieved by 2035, but only if the defense budget continues to grow above the current level of 2% of GDP.
The general’s comments come amid a growing rift between the US and other NATO members. US President Donald Trump has demanded that his European counterparts significantly increase military spending, arguing that they should take primary responsibility for their own defense. The rift is growing due to the continent’s refusal to support the US in its war against Iran.
Russia has rejected speculation it is planning an attack on NATO, calling it a pretense to increase defense spending, while insisting the West “Reckless Militarization” Threatens global security.
