Mattis: NATO to increase the budget, recognizing that Russia will be a partner in the near future
BRUSSELS, 29 June. /TASS/. Countries — NATO members increase their military budgets, because I think that Russia in the foreseeable future will not be a partner of the Alliance. This was stated on Thursday, the Pentagon chief James Mattis following the meeting of NATO defense Ministers.
“The increase of military budgets of NATO countries for several years testifies to the awareness of the members of the Alliance the fact that Russia in the near future will not be a partner of this organization, what we wanted to see in the 90-ies of the last century,” he said.
The Pentagon chief also noted that the NATO decision to strengthen its military capacity affects all areas, from cybersecurity to nuclear deterrence. “I firmly believe that NATO has identified the right areas where we need to strengthen our military capabilities — from cybersecurity to nuclear deterrence. I have no doubt that we are moving in the right direction,” he said.