17.02.2026 06:52
Germany's Chief of Staff Carsten Breuer and the UK's Chief of Staff Richard Knighton emphasized that Russia is rearming by learning lessons from the war in Ukraine, which has increased the likelihood of war in Europe.
The Chief of the German General Staff, Breuer, and the Chief of the British General Staff, Knighton, wrote a joint letter published in the Guardian and Die Welt newspapers. Breuer and Knighton stated that Russia is reorganizing its forces in a way that could increase the risk of war.
"RUSSIAN ARMED FORCES ARE REARMING"
The letter stated, "The Russian Armed Forces are rearming and reorganizing in a way that could increase the risk of conflict with NATO countries, learning from the war in Ukraine. Moscow's military strengthening poses an increasing risk that requires caution, especially when combined with the painful reality of the risk of war on our continent, as seen in Ukraine."
"SECURITY POLICY MUST CHANGE URGENTLY"
Due to the threats facing Europe, the commanders argued that an urgent change in defense and security policy is necessary, emphasizing that defense spending under NATO should be raised to a higher percentage of gross domestic product.
"POWER DETERRENCE"
The letter expressed that rearmament is not "war provocation," but a responsible action to protect the people and peace, stating, "Power deters aggression, while weakness invites it." The commanders emphasized the need for a strong European defense industry for military preparedness.