Russia could pose a military threat to NATO territory within five years, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crocetto said, Reuters reported, quoted by Focus.
Crocetto addressed the Italian parliament regarding the results of last week's NATO summit, when the alliance agreed to increase defense and security spending.
"Allies shared their concerns about the growing threat from Russia. There are no indications of a change in Russian production for political purposes, including in the event of a ceasefire," he added.
As the minister points out, support "inside Russia for the war in Ukraine, which began in 2022, seems to be the same."
Without specifying the source of the data, Crosetto said that Russia had lost more than a million soldiers - including 200,000 in the first half of this year.
"However, Russia managed to recruit another 300,000 in six months without shaking the unanimity in the country," he added.
Referring to the goals set last week by NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of member states' GDP, Crosetto commented that Italy had already budgeted for this, without taking money away from the health sector. or pensions.
Italian Defense Minister: Russia has lost more than a million soldiers - including 200,000 this year
Guido Crocetto warns Moscow could pose a military threat to NATO territory within five years
Jul 3, 2025 20:23 512
