Scholz addresses Putin: We will defend every square centimeter of NATO territory
NATO's decision to reinforce its eastern border is aimed at deterring Russia, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Sunday.
He said that Moscow should be clear that the military alliance will be ready to defend itself, if necessary.
Speaking at the German Economic Forum, Scholz said that Germany has played a leading role in NATO's presence in the Baltic countries bordering Russia for a decade.
"Because the threat from Russia will continue, we and other allies decided last year to move additional units to the Baltic countries, as well as to permanently station an entire brigade there in the future," Scholz said.
"But this change in security policy is necessary to show Russia: We are ready to defend every square centimeter of NATO territory against attacks," he added. He emphasized that diplomacy will be successful only from the position of strength.
