German major general dismisses talk of Russian attack against NATO
Russia is committed to the Ukraine conflict and is unlikely to pursue an attack against NATO, according to the commander of the German Army's Homeland Security Division, Major General Andreas Henne.
European officials have increasingly claimed in recent years that Moscow is planning to attack the US-led military bloc - speculation which Russia has dismissed as "nonsense."
Henne was asked to comment on the possibility of an attack in an interview with Focus magazine published on Monday.
"The Russians are very committed in Ukraine and couldn't possibly carry out such an attack to its conclusion. I'm telling you this as a military analyst," he said. "One can't rule anything out with regard to Russia, but I personally think that we will experience many more summers of peace."
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, NATO has "adapted and created a new force model," Henne stated, adding: "This envisions us bringing forces to the northeast flank very quickly."
Germany is the US-led military bloc's "most important hub" for this, he said.
The German Defense Ministry has reported a sharp rise in military recruitment since the start of the year, which officials in Berlin have claimed is directed at countering the alleged "threat" from Moscow.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has condemned the claims, accusing Berlin of "whipping up hysterical Russophobia" in Europe. "Everything is being done to create an image of our country as an enemy," he said in a press briefing last week.
Russia has condemned NATO's recent push to increase military spending to 5% of GDP, accusing European members of the US-led military bloc of rampant militarization.
"Today's Europe has completely plunged into a Russophobic frenzy, and its militarization is becoming, in fact, uncontrolled," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said last week in an article for Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
(RT.com)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
27 minutes ago
- The Sun
Trump raises India tariffs over Russian oil imports as trade tensions escalate
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has ordered higher tariffs on Indian goods in response to New Delhi's continued imports of Russian oil. The new 25% tariff will take effect in three weeks, adding to an existing 25% duty that begins on Thursday. This brings total tariffs on many Indian products to 50%, significantly increasing trade costs for Indian exporters. Trump's order also warns of penalties for other nations that import Russian oil, a key revenue source for Moscow's war in Ukraine. Certain goods, including steel, aluminum, smartphones, and pharmaceuticals, remain exempt from the latest tariff hike. India's foreign ministry condemned the move, calling it 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.' Officials noted that India turned to Russian oil after traditional suppliers diverted shipments to Europe due to the Ukraine conflict. Trump has pressured India to reduce Russian oil purchases as part of broader efforts to isolate Moscow economically. India's national security adviser was reportedly in Moscow on Wednesday, coinciding with a visit by US envoy Steve Witkoff. The latest tariff is lower than the 100% duty Trump previously threatened if Russia failed to end its war in Ukraine within 50 days. Farwa Aamer of the Asia Society Policy Institute called this a 'low point in US-India relations.' She expects domestic pressure in India to comply with US demands but predicts difficult negotiations ahead. Separately, Trump increased tariffs on Brazilian goods from 10% to 50% over political tensions involving former president Jair Bolsonaro. Brazil has initiated WTO dispute proceedings against the new US tariffs, according to government sources. On Thursday, updated 'reciprocal' tariffs targeting the EU, Japan, South Korea, and others will take effect, with rates up to 41%. Switzerland's president rushed to Washington ahead of the deadline, though it remains unclear if she will meet Trump. Mexico plans to strengthen trade ties with Canada as both nations face US tariff pressures.
Barnama
44 minutes ago
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Aug 7, 2025
Cambodia has approached the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for the release of its 18 soldiers held by Thailand. The soldiers were captured during the border conflict from July 24 to 28. The Cambodia International Machinery Industry Fair and the Cambodia International Textile and Garment Industry Fair are being held in the capital. More than 200 global manufacturers, innovators and investors from 15 countries are participating in the expos. 1. EXPERTS INSPECT DAMAGED ANCIENT PAGODAS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR International experts are conducting the second phase of field inspections on ancient heritage buildings in earthquake-hit areas, especially in Mandalay. The inspections are to restore damaged pagodas affected during the March 28 earthquake. 2. DEMAND FOR MYANMAR'S BETEL NUT RISING -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar exported RM140 million (US$33 million) worth of areca nuts to India over a year, almost doubling the previous export value. There is a huge demand for Myanmar's soft, fresh and moist areca nuts (betel nuts) in the international market. PHILIPPINES 1. PH IN TALKS WITH INDIA TO ACQUIRE MORE BRAHMOS MISSILES - MARCOS -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is in the process of acquiring additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India, as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) ongoing modernisation and efforts to strengthen its regional defence posture. 2. MARCOS: PH ON RIGHT PATH TO PEACE BY ALIGNING WITH LIKE-MINDED NATIONS -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is taking the right path to peace by deepening partnerships with like-minded nations that uphold international law - a strategy shaped in part by mounting tensions in the Indo-Pacific, including China's continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea. SINGAPORE 1. SOME AGEING CONDOS IN SINGAPORE STRUGGLE WITH FAILING INFRASTRUCTURE, INADEQUATE SINKING FUNDS -- THE STRAITS TIMES In 2024, when two out of three lifts in his block at Fernwood Towers broke down, Mr Haider Manasawala had to carry his suitcase down 21 storeys to catch a flight. 2. FORREST LI ON SINGAPORE FOOTBALL: 'THE MOMENT NOBODY TALKS ABOUT IT ... THAT'S THE END' -- CNA Having stepped up to the top post in local football, new Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Forrest Li has much on his plate. THAILAND 1. BTS WRAPS TRAIN IN LONGEST THAI FLAG TO HONOUR HEROES AND SOVEREIGNTY -- THE NATION BTS recently unveiled its train wrapped in the longest Thai national flag to honour national heroes and sovereignty. 2. DONATIONS TO PROVIDE AID ALONG BORDER PASS B100M -- BANGKOK POST More than 100 million baht has been donated to the government to support residents affected along the Thai-Cambodian border. VIETNAM 1. SHRIMP FARMING PROTECTING MANGROVE FOREST -- VIETNAMPLUS Coastal farmers in the Mekong Delta have successfully adopted shrimp farming in canals that are covered by mangroves. Growing shrimp under the mangrove canopy helps protect the mangrove ecosystem and the forest acts as a natural water filter. 2. STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGIES TO SPUR GROWTH -- VNEXPRESS The government is seeking to identify three strategic technologies that will aid in the development of its economy. They will explore products like 5G mobile network, robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, AI cameras, virtual assistance and blockchain platforms. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
MITI forecasts RM104 billion approved investments for 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) has projected approved investments worth RM104 billion for 2025, covering manufacturing and selected services sectors under MIDA's oversight. Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz stated this forecast considers GDP projections, ongoing project evaluations, and potential new ventures. 'MIDA's Q1 2025 data shows RM89.8 billion in approved investments, a 3.7 per cent rise from the same period in 2024,' he said in a parliamentary reply. He noted the upward trend in investment applications signals sustained positivity for the year. Tengku Zafrul addressed concerns about US tariff hikes and geopolitical risks, confirming no immediate revision to 2025 trade targets. 'The tariff impact primarily affects US-dependent firms, but Malaysia's diversified markets mitigate broader disruptions,' he explained. MITI will monitor US-bound exports and develop mitigation strategies to cushion potential trade declines. 'A modest dip in trade is expected in late 2025, with sharper effects likely in early 2026 post-tariff implementation,' he added. Malaysia's 2024 trade value reached RM2.87 trillion, with a 5 per cent increase projected for 2025 to RM3.01 trillion. Tengku Zafrul highlighted Malaysia's competitive edge under the new 19 per cent US tariff, aligning with ASEAN peers. 'Malaysia secured lower tariffs without compromising policy sovereignty,' he emphasised. He acknowledged tariffs may dampen exports and investments, impacting economic growth. Long-term high tariffs could trigger a global slowdown, raising prices and reducing demand, indirectly affecting Malaysia's economy. - Bernama
