Scholz: We Are Prepared to Defend Every Square Centimeter of NATO Territory from Attack

The recent steps taken by NATO to bolster its eastern flank are aimed at deterring Russia, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated on Sunday, adding that Moscow must clearly understand that the alliance is prepared to protect itself if necessary, according to Reuters.

While speaking at the Eastern German Economic Forum, which was also attended by Lithuania's Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, Scholz noted that Germany has been playing a leading role in ensuring NATO's presence in the Baltic states at the Russian border for nearly a decade.

"And since the threat from Russia will persist, we and our other allies decided last year to deploy additional units in the Baltic states and to eventually base a full brigade there on a permanent basis," Scholz said.

"However, this change in security policy is necessary to show Russia that we are prepared to defend every square centimeter of NATO territory from attack," he added. The Chancellor believes that diplomacy will only succeed from positions of strength.