Scholz to Putin: We will not cede even an inch of NATO territory

"We are ready to defend every square centimeter of NATO territory against attack." This was stated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in his speech at the East German Economic Forum, Arab News reported. Scholz said NATO's recent move to strengthen the alliance's eastern flank was aimed at deterring Russia. In his speech at the event, which was also attended by Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonite, Scholz emphasized that Germany has played a leading role in NATO's presence in the Baltics. "And because the threat from Russia will continue, last year we and other allies decided to deploy additional units to the Baltic states and in the future to permanently station an entire brigade there," the German chancellor said. "But this turn in security policy is necessary to show Russia: We are ready to defend every square centimeter of NATO territory against attack," he added. Scholz stated that diplomacy will only succeed from a position of strength. | BGNES