ROME – Italy’s Chief of the Defense Staff, General Luciano Portolano, warned Wednesday that Russia is restoring its military strength at a pace exceeding prior estimates, urging NATO and the EU to rapidly strengthen their deterrence capabilities.
“Moscow is rebuilding its lost military capabilities and is growing militarily at a faster rate than expected,” Portolano said during a hearing before the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees of the Italian Parliament, as reported by state broadcaster RAI.
He noted there are currently “no signs” that Russia intends to convert its military industry to civilian production, even in the event of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Portolano emphasized the growing complexity of global threats and the urgent need for both NATO and the EU to reinforce their defensive posture. He also called for deeper international cooperation, including with countries beyond traditional alliances, to maintain global security and stability.
The general outlined six strategic goals in Italy’s new national military strategy, submitted to Defense Minister Guido Crosetto earlier this week, and stressed that Italy’s armed forces are undergoing a long-term transformation aimed at increasing efficiency, modernization, and readiness for multi-domain operations.
