NATO general sounds warning about Putin’s HUGE modernisation of Russian military machine – Express.co.uk

General Petr Pavel, chairman of the NATO Military Committee issued the stern warning during a breakfast briefing hosted by Politico.

General Pavel said: We in uniform, we define the threat based on two major elements. One is the capability, the other is the intent.

When it comes to capability there is no doubt that Russia is developing their capabilities both in conventional and nuclear components.

When it comes to exercises, their ability to deploy troops for long distance and to use them effectively quite far away from their own territory, there are no doubts.

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We face a huge modernisation of all Russia military

General Petr Pavel

When it comes to intent, its not so clear because we cannot clearly say that Russia has aggressive intents against NATO.

The General went on to add that the North Atlantic alliance was bolstering its own capabilities saying; there are elements that have to worry us and we have to stay ready.

So we take this even potential threat very seriously. We do everything possible to be ready both in terms of capabilities and readiness, to face any potential threat that would mirror the situation we know from Crimea, from eastern Ukraine, not to be repeated against any NATO ally.

He added: We also observe an increased and more assertive attitude in both political and militaryleadershiptalking about taking all necessary measures to face NATO military build-up. We face a huge modernisation of all Russia military.

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U.S. President Donald Trump and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May react during a ceremony at the new NATO headquarters in Brussels

General Pavel dismissed the idea the vote for Britain to leave the European Union posed a challenge to the alliance.

He said the UK would continue to be a pillar state despite uncertainty after 17.4million people voted to exit the EU.

He said: In my view, it doesnt pose a challenge to Nato the United Kingdom is firm and one of the pillar states of the alliance, its one of the strongest Nato allies military wise in Europe so we dont see any direct challenge for Nato coming out from Brexit.

He suggested the opposite was happening with many representatives of the UK expressing their more focused approach to the military alliance.

The comments come after the US and Donald Trump a key ally to the UK post-Brexit continued to send warning signals to Nato over its spending commitments.

Speaking last month at a Nato meeting of member states, the US President reminded fellow members they were not paying their fair share.

He said: I have been very very direct in saying that Nato members must finally contribute their fair share and meet their financial obligations.

But 23 of the 28 member nations are still not paying what they should be paying and what theyre supposed to be paying for their defence.

Nato members are expected to spend two per cent of GDP on their military budget, as the alliance looks to bolster its global presence.

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