Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov Photo: Sergei Bobylev/TASS
The European Union’s decision to increase defence spending amid the threat from Russia has prompted a sharp reaction from the Kremlin. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday, 4 February, called the move “very short-sighted” and “harmful to every European,” Interfax reports .
“Under the pretext of a phantom threat from Russia, military spending is being inflated, which is already putting Europe’s economy in a difficult situation. Further increases in spending will only exacerbate this negative impact,” Peskov said.
At the same time, he expressed indignation that Europe was relying on a “militaristic approach” instead of “taking into account Russia’s security interests and engaging in dialogue”.
The EU is strengthening its defence, but funding remains an open question
The decision to increase defence spending was made by EU leaders at a meeting in Brussels. President of the European Council Antonio Costa stressed that Europe must act more decisively and quickly to strengthen its defence capabilities.
“We have already done a lot, but it is not enough. We need to act more efficiently, stronger and faster – and we need to do it together,” he said.
However, it is not yet clear how the increase in military spending will be financed.
NATO: threat of trade war will not affect Alliance’s security
Meanwhile, newly elected NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte assured that Donald Trump’s threats of a trade war would not affect the Alliance’s ability to deter threats. He also rejected suggestions that Europe could be left without US military support, calling such fears “absurd”.
“The best thing the West can do is to remain united, and this view is shared in the United States, including the White House,” Rutte said.
The EU’s decision to increase military spending signals a shift in security approaches that is causing panic in the Kremlin. At the same time, the West demonstrates its determination to continue to strengthen its defence in the face of Russian aggression.
