NATO does not want new arms race with Russia
NATO does not want a new arms race with Russia, the alliance's secretary general said on 4 April amid heightened tensions following an ex-spy's poisoning in the UK.
Jens Stoltenberg told reporters alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa: ‘We don't want a new arms race, so we are focused on how can we respond in a firm strong predictable, but also measured and defensive, way. We don't want a new Cold War.’
He made the remarks when asked about the possibility of new NATO sanctions against Russia after former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned in England on 4 March.
London and its allies have blamed Moscow for the attack, citing the use of a Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok, Russia's record of targeting dissidents and its history of aggression in recent years, from Crimea to cyber-attacks.
Stoltenberg said: ‘We will continue to strive for a more constructive relationship with Russia.’
More from Defence Notes
-
![Russia is evading sanctions and purchasing US components for its arsenal, warns US Senate]()
Russia is evading sanctions and purchasing US components for its arsenal, warns US Senate
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has claimed that Russian bombs, missiles and drones “supported by American technologies” have been fatally used on Ukrainians soldiers and civilians.
-
![Sweden makes preparations to give Gripens to Ukraine]()
Sweden makes preparations to give Gripens to Ukraine
The 17th package provided by Sweden to Ukraine has seen the Scandinavian country provide SEK48.1 billion (US$4.6 billion) in military support since February 2022, having provided a total of SEK25 billion in 2024.
-
![Dutch MoD targets two more frigates as part of future defence plans]()
Dutch MoD targets two more frigates as part of future defence plans
The latest defence memorandum from the Dutch government has suggested that funding would be increased, with the procurement of more frigates, F-35s and Leopard 2A8s expected.
-
![UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine passes £1 billion milestone]()
UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine passes £1 billion milestone
Ukraine’s defence secretary met his UK opposite number in London to mark the milestone and push forward with new defence deals.
-
![UK defence funding rocked by budget restrictions]()
UK defence funding rocked by budget restrictions
Defence spending cuts are implied by UK ministers’ commitments to help plug a public finance “black hole”.
-
![RTX’s unauthorised exports result in $200 million fine]()
RTX’s unauthorised exports result in $200 million fine
According to the US Department of State, 750 company violations were recorded from 2017 to 2023.
