Nato agrees on master plan to deter growing Russian threat
- The confidential strategy aims to defend against attacks that could include nuclear weapons, hacking of computer networks and assaults from space
- The move reaffirms the alliance’s core goal of deterring Moscow, despite a growing focus on China
Nato defence ministers agreed on a new master plan on Thursday to defend against any potential Russian attack on multiple fronts, reaffirming the alliance’s core goal of deterring Moscow despite a growing focus on China.
The confidential strategy aims to prepare for any simultaneous attack in the Baltic and Black Sea regions that could include nuclear weapons, hacking of computer networks and assaults from space.
“We continue to strengthen our alliance with better and modernised plans,” Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said after the meeting, which also agreed on a US$1 billion fund to provide seed financing to develop new digital technologies.
Officials stress that they do not believe any Russian attack is imminent. Moscow denies any aggressive intentions and says it is Nato that risks destabilising Europe with such preparations.
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But diplomats say the “Concept for Deterrence and Defence in the Euro-Atlantic Area” – and its strategic implementation plan – is needed as Russia develops advanced weapon systems and deploys troops and equipment closer to the allies’ borders.
“This is the way of deterrence,” German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said of the plan.