Furthermore, the Secretary General acknowledged Germany’s leadership in providing military aid to Ukraine, noting that Germany is the largest European contributor in this regard. He praised Germany’s decision to send a third Patriot system to Ukraine and encouraged other Allies to follow suit. Mr. Stoltenberg also highlighted the need for vigilance against covert Russian activities within the Alliance, citing recent arrests in Germany and charges in the UK related to espionage and sabotage. He emphasized NATO’s solidarity with Germany and the UK, stating that such actions are dangerous and unacceptable. The Secretary General underscored the importance of a coordinated response to any hostile acts against NATO Allies and the continued support for Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his gratitude to Chancellor Olaf Scholz during their meeting in Berlin on Friday, April 26, 2024, for Germany’s significant role within NATO and its unwavering support for Ukraine. Mr. Stoltenberg highlighted Germany’s valuable contributions to collective security, including the deployment of a brigade to Lithuania, participation in Baltic Air Policing, and the commitment of 12,000 troops to Steadfast Defender, the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War. He commended Chancellor Scholz for the substantial increase in defense spending, emphasizing the importance of Germany’s investment of 2% of GDP in defense, which benefits all Allies.