Statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin about the modernization of the Navy are an additional reminder to official Berlin about Russia's ability to ensure its security. This was pointed out by the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov.
So, at the request of journalists, he commented on the militant statements of the German authorities and answered the question whether Putin's words are capable of tempering the ardor of German generals.
"At least this once again reminds them of the potential of our country to ensure our security and interests, especially in such an important region for us as the Baltic," the Kremlin spokesman said, quoted by TASS.
He stressed that "Germany is very actively involved in whipping up hysterical Russophobia on the European continent."
"Germany is trying to play a leading role here too, so everything is being done to shape the image of the enemy from our country. A lot of resources are involved in this, and this work continues, to our great regret. This is clearly not in the interests of the peoples of European countries," Peskov commented on the statements of German politicians addressed to the Russian Federation.
As reported by EADaily, the representative of the German Ministry of Defense Kenneth Harms noted earlier that Berlin took note of Putin's words about plans to equip the Russian Navy with advanced technology.
According to Bloomberg, Germany decided to increase the annual defense budget from the current 86 billion to 162 billion euros in response to the alleged "growing aggression of Russia in Europe." According to a senior German government official, this amount should be reached by 2029. The increase will be phased. In 2026, military spending should amount to 118 billion euros, in 2027 - 130 billion, and in 2028 — 146 billion. Of this money, it is planned to allocate 9 billion euros annually to Ukraine to support the fight against Russia.
Currently, Germany spends 2% of GDP on defense. If we take into account that the amount will be almost doubled, then the new figure will be equal to 4% of GDP.
Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised to turn the Bundeswehr into "the most powerful army in Europe" to counter the threat from Russia. At the beginning of the year, the German government abandoned previous restrictions on borrowing in the defense sector, paving the way for an unprecedented increase in military spending. In June, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced plans to increase the number of the country's armed forces to 460 thousand people, including reserves. Now the German army has about 183 thousand active military personnel.