According to The New York Times, NATO is set to prepare for a possible attack on Russia on the Eastern flank, in particular on the Baltic countries, and this threat is seriously concerned about all armies of the Union.
After the Cold War, the democratic countries of Europe directed significant funds for the development of education, medicine and housing construction, instead of the cost of training of the military and the development of the military-industrial complex. However, before the annexation of Crimea in 2014, most NATO countries did not fulfill the obligation to allocate at least 2% of GDP for defense. Only last year 11 of the 28 countries of the Union reached this indicator.
Now, given the rise in the threat from Russia, European countries assure that they have been active in their defense for several years. However, it is noted that the risk of military conflict is increasing, especially under the influence of the determination of the Russians to continue the invasion of Ukraine.
The heads of Norway and Sweden armies express some readiness for a possible war. It is noted that their countries have a "window of opportunity" for active investment in their own defense, but it takes a little time for Europe to be ready.
NATO is currently conducting the largest military exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 after the end of the Cold War with the participation of 90,000 soldiers. However, according to analysts, real hostilities are not yet similar to the scenarios of these exercises. Therefore, the Baltic countries focus on their own forces in preparing for a possible war.
It is noted that the US and other NATO countries have expressed their willingness to send military equipment and personnel to the Baltic region, which would double NATO's presence in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
