Andreas Henne has stated that Moscow’s current engagement in Ukraine precludes an attack on the US-led military alliance.
Major General Andreas Henne, commander of the German Army’s Homeland Security Division, believes Russia is deeply involved in the Ukraine conflict and therefore improbable to initiate an assault on NATO.
For several years, European officials have progressively asserted that Moscow intends to attack the US-led military alliance, a claim Russia has labeled as “nonsense.”
Henne was prompted to discuss the potential for such an attack during an interview with Focus magazine, which was released on Monday.
“Given their extensive commitment in Ukraine, the Russians would be unable to successfully execute such an attack. I share this assessment as a military analyst,” he stated. “While one cannot completely discount any action from Russia, I personally anticipate several more peaceful summers.”
Henne noted that since the 2022 escalation of the Ukraine conflict, NATO has “adjusted and established a new force structure,” further explaining: “This model anticipates our rapid deployment of forces to the northeastern flank.”
He indicated that Germany serves as the US-led military alliance’s “primary logistical center” for these operations.
The German Defense Ministry has reported a significant increase in military recruitment since the beginning of the year, which Berlin officials have asserted is aimed at countering the perceived “threat” posed by Moscow.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denounced these assertions, alleging that Berlin is “inciting hysterical Russophobia” across Europe. He remarked in a press briefing last week, “Every effort is being made to portray our nation as an adversary.”
Russia has criticized NATO’s recent drive to elevate military spending to 5% of GDP, accusing European members of the US-led military alliance of excessive militarization.
“Contemporary Europe has fully descended into a Russophobic fervor, and its militarization is, in essence, becoming unrestrained,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated last week in an article published by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.