00:00We should not underestimate the threat from Russia, but we should not overestimate Russia's capabilities either.
00:10Despite their posturing, they have failed to meet their ambitions, and at an incredible cost, more than one million Russians killed or seriously injured.
00:23In 2022, Russia thought it could crush Ukraine within days.
00:28In the fourth year of its brutal war, Russia is struggling to advance.
00:35Russia's military is stretched there and elsewhere.
00:40Its Mediterranean task force was once a mix of surface ships, submarines, and support vessels.
00:48Now, in effect, there is hardly any Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean left.
00:54There is a lone and broken Russian submarine limping home from patrol.
01:01What a change from the 1984 Tom Clancy novel The Hunt for Red October.
01:08Today, it seems more like the hunt for the nearest mechanic.
01:12But while Russia is not as strong as it would pretend, it remains deeply dangerous.
01:22And that is why it is absolutely essential that we ensure we are prepared.
01:27Russia conducts a covered campaign against our societies and attempts to undermine our support for Ukraine.
01:33Russia's list of targets for sabotage is not limited to critical infrastructure, the defense industry, and military facilities.
01:43It even includes public spaces.
01:46Fifteen people were charged last month after devices hidden in parcels were detonated across Europe last year.
01:53Russia also continues to carry out cyber and espionage operations against our countries.
02:02This summer, the United Kingdom exposed the use of sophisticated spying software by Russian military intelligence.
02:10The home front and the front line are now one and the same.
02:15And this is why, as part of the The Hague Defense Investment Plan, we will invest more to protect critical infrastructure,
02:26defend our networks, strengthen our resilience, and enhance civil preparedness.
02:31UNDERGROUND
02:41Now, let's see.
02:45First, here, the love seat is not the only one.
Be the first to comment