NATO and the EU need to boost defense spending, says Scholz.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, commenting on the recent incident involving damage to an underwater cable in the Baltic Sea, warned of the threat posed by the Russian "shadow" fleet and emphasized the need to increase defense spending.

He made these remarks at a press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, reports Tagesschau.

"NATO's 'Baltic Guardian' operation will enhance the protection of the Baltic Sea and critically important underwater infrastructure," Scholz stated.

The Chancellor reminded that NATO is a guarantor of collective security, and many Alliance members have significantly increased their defense spending recently. Scholz also stressed the importance of continuing to support Ukraine in its defense campaign against Russia.

"And we agree that we need to strengthen the European part of NATO and continue to increase defense expenditures," he added.

Frederiksen also noted that Europe needs to do more.

"We need a stronger, more resolute Europe that can defend itself and promote European interests. We must take more responsibility for our own security and for strengthening our defense industry," said the Danish Prime Minister.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that on January 26 in the morning, an underwater fiber optic cable belonging to the Latvian State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC) was damaged in the Baltic Sea between Latvia and Sweden. This was likely due to external influence.