Existential risk: Bundeswehr assesses danger posed by Russia
Photo: The Bundeswehr is preparing for war against Russia in the coming years (Getty Images)
The German Bundeswehr has developed a strategic document for internal use, in which Russia is described as an "existential risk." The military highlights the danger posed by Russia not only to Germany but to Europe as a whole, according to the material by the German magazine Spiegel, reprinted by Reuters.
The policy document, developed over the course of a year and a half to provide a conceptual foundation for the Bundeswehr’s development, identifies Russia as a threat. In particular, it states that in recent years, Russia has been deliberately reorienting its entire state and economic structure toward waging a large-scale war against NATO.
The Russians are actively modernizing their army, drawing on experience from the war in Ukraine. By 2026, the Russian military could reach a force of 1.5 million personnel. Additionally, the Kremlin is mobilizing its industry and government structures to be as prepared as possible for a large-scale conflict with the Alliance by the end of the decade.
The document also emphasizes that time is running out: Germany must significantly expand both its military and civilian defense capabilities. This would enable it to confidently resist any future Russian attempts at invasion.
War at the doorstep: Russia preparing to attack NATO
Not long ago, the Bundeswehr prepared another report, the key message of which was that the Russian authorities are preparing for a large-scale war against NATO. According to the document, Germany has only a few years left to get ready.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda agrees with Germany’s assessments. He stated that Russia could launch a new attack within just a few years, with the Baltic states likely to be Russia’s primary targets.
Germany's Chief of Defense, General Carsten Breuer, has issued an order for the full equipping of the German Armed Forces with weapons and other materials by 2029. Meanwhile, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that the army will need at least 60,000 additional soldiers.
