German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned against softening the NATO alliance's commitment to joint defence in remarks during the second day of the Munich Security Conference.
"Let me also make it clear: any relativization of NATO's guarantee of mutual assistance will only benefit those who - like Putin - want to weaken us," Scholz said on Saturday.
He was clearly reacting to statements made by former US president and current candidate Donald Trump, who had made it clear during an election campaign appearance that he would not grant American support to allies with low defence spending in the event of a Russian attack.
Scholz said in Munich that significant parts of the Russian armed forces were intact despite enormous losses of their own.
"Russia has been preparing its army for this war for many years and has developed new, dangerous weapons systems at all levels. The Russian economy has long been working in war mode," said Scholz.
"Putin has practically brought the economy, education, science and culture in Russia under his control. Anyone who stands up for freedom and democracy must fear for their lives," said Scholz.
This is also shown by the shocking and outrageous news of the death of opposition activist Alexei Navalny in Russian custody, he added.
