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The Netherlands should prepare for a possible armed conflict with Russia,the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Netherlands Army, Martin Weinen, said in an interview on Friday.

 

Speaking to the most prominent Dutch newspaper, De Telegraaf, Vainen, who will leave his post at the beginning of the new year, suggested that the Netherlands follow the example of countries such as Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic states, which are closer to Russia.

Russia understands only one language: a strong army, Vainen asserted, adding that Russia sacrifices the prosperity of an individual to acquire a military advantage over the West.

 

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“The Netherlands must understand that if things go wrong, society must be prepared. The Dutch people must not think our security is guaranteed because we are 1,500 kilometres away.”

 

Source:  De Telegraaf

 

Vainen said civilians should prepare drinking water and food supplies ahead of time.

 

The outgoing Commander said six hundred young men had joined the Netherlands-launched voluntary annual military service. He hopes the army will increase by 2-3 thousand servicemen next year.

 

Is the Dutch Commander The First Top NATO official warning against Russian aggression?

In December, Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic, Karel Rzegka, also said that, although the war with Russia is unlikely in the short term, in the longer time of five years, it is a real threat, "only deterrence" can prevent it.