As astronauts discover the first evidence of extra-terrestrial life on Mars, they begin realising that the life form is extremely intelligent and hostile.
Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine has opened the eyes of European countries to Moscow’s real ambitions and threats. Many European countries have now vowed to defend themselves — even if it means facing a direct confrontation with Russia. The Netherlands recently issued a serious warning: Amsterdam is preparing for a possible armed conflict with Moscow.
The X (formerly Twitter) account “NEXTA” today (May 9) posted a statement from Pieter Reesink, the head of the Dutch Military Intelligence Service and a Rear Admiral in the Navy. He stated that Russia is constantly strengthening its military power, a sign that the country is preparing for a future war — and not just against Ukraine.
Reesink revealed that Russia’s defense budget in 2024 has skyrocketed to $149 billion (around Rp. 2,400 trillion), up 38% compared to last year and double the budget in 2015.
Reesink further alleged that Russia, with foreign assistance, has produced artillery in quantities far in excess of what is needed for the war in Ukraine. He warned that Moscow is not only replenishing its weapons stocks, but also moving its military forces closer to NATO borders, including the Baltic states and Finland.
According to Reesink, if Russian arms production continues and the Kremlin’s fighting spirit remains high, then within a year Russia will be ready for the next war.
Reesink added that the Netherlands, like other NATO member states, is currently in the process of strengthening its military readiness. The Dutch Ministry of Defense also announced that the Netherlands and Romania will jointly establish a training center for F-16 fighter jet maintenance technicians for Ukraine.
However, not all European countries are taking a hard line against Russia. The X account “NOELREPORTS” reported that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have criticized the European Commission’s plan to stop importing natural gas from Russia.
Orbán warned that the plan would bring economic ruin to Europe and add a heavy burden to families in Central Europe. He also said that Hungary would not provide any funds to support Ukraine's membership in the European Union.
On the other hand, Lithuania has taken drastic steps to protect its country, officially withdrawing from the International Convention on the Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines. Like Latvia, Poland, Finland and Estonia, Lithuania wants to retain the right to use mines to protect its national borders if necessary. (jhn/yn)
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