**EU Leaders Warn of Russian Threat**
European Union leaders are warning that Russia could test the bloc’s readiness to defend itself within the next three to five years. They are calling for an increase in defense budgets and deeper military cooperation among member states.
**Russia’s Growing Militarization**
The EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stressed that the bloc must act decisively to counter Russia’s growing militarization. President Vladimir Putin has allocated over one-third of his national budget to military spending – three times what it was before the invasion of Ukraine. “This is a heavily militarized country that presents an existential threat to us all,” Kallas warned.
**Russian Capabilities**
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also echoed concerns about Russia’s growing capabilities. He warned that Russia could be capable of attacking NATO territory within the next five to six years due to its rapid military industrialization. “By 2029 or 2030, Putin could strengthen his army to the point where Russia would be capable of striking NATO,” Pistorius said.
**EU Defense Plans**
The EU is drafting a Preparedness Strategy that emphasizes stronger defense integration without forming a single European army. The plan focuses on enabling 27 capable national armies to work cohesively. “We need investment from member states, the private sector, and the common EU budget. We must relay a message that we are serious about our commitment to European defense,” Kallas said.
**Urgency of Action**
Kallas emphasized the urgency of increasing production capabilities for weapons and military equipment. “Russia is spending 9% of its GDP on defense, while EU member states collectively average only 1.9%. This sends a dangerous signal to the aggressor. Weakness invites them in,” she noted.
**Support for Ukraine**
The EU has already committed over 130 billion euros in support to Ukraine, including nearly 50 billion euros in military aid. However, Kallas is adamant that more needs to be done. “Ukraine is Europe’s front line for defense,” she said, adding that Russia’s military aggression has already been accompanied by hybrid warfare tactics.
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