Russia threatening Europe, NATO again: German chancellor

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday slammed Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine, saying it poses a threat to Europe and NATO. 

“With its aggressive policy, Russia is again a threat to Europe, to the (NATO) alliance,” Scholz said at a press conference at the end of the NATO summit in Madrid.

However, he stressed that NATO is prepared for the challenges after its latest summit.

He said the alliance has drawn the right conclusions amid the changing global situation and is strengthening its defense capabilities, especially with regards to the security of members along the eastern flank.

“We will face the challenges with unity and determination,” he said.

The German chancellor dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s allegation that NATO is pursuing a policy of imperialism.

“To be honest, that’s pretty ridiculous,” he said.

NATO is a defensive alliance that does not attack other countries and does not pose a threat to anyone in the neighborhood, according to Scholz.

“In fact, it is Putin who has made imperialism the goal and the object of his policies,” Scholz asserted.