Germany prepares troops for potential war with Russia
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Germany has launched large-scale preparations for a potential conflict with Russia, which, according to experts, could have a more significant impact on the country than the war in Ukraine, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports.
According to the agency, the German Armed Forces have begun to actively implement a strategic document called the Operation Germany Plan.
The document of about 1000 pages contains detailed instructions in case of military operations. It lists infrastructure facilities that are subject to special protection, as well as prescribes actions in defense and crisis. In the event of tensions on NATO's eastern flank, Germany will become a key center for the transfer of troops, military equipment, food, and medicine.
Special attention was paid to the role of business. At the meeting in Hamburg, Lieutenant Colonel Jörn Plischke recommended that companies train their employees in skills that could be useful in a crisis, such as truck driving.
Plischke stated that 70% of truck drivers in Germany are Eastern Europeans and suggested that they might simply not be in the country in the event of a war.
The Bundeswehr is also urging companies to develop contingency plans, including ensuring autonomous power supply, for example, through diesel generators. Talks have already been held in Hamburg with representatives of trade, industry, and agriculture. Similar events are being organized across the country.
Dangers are growing: cyber attacks, espionage and sabotage
Lieutenant Colonel Plischke emphasized that the threat is becoming real now. He mentioned cases of espionage, drone flights, discovery of weapons caches, as well as attempts at sabotage and cyberattacks.
He mentioned, citing intelligence reports, that Russia is actively preparing for war and could potentially be ready for new attacks within four to five years.
In response to the growing risks, the Hamburg Senate has strengthened crisis management and civil defense by creating 40 additional posts. A third internal security company consisting of volunteers was also put into operation.
Training and plans for future
Germany has already held its first joint civilian-military exercise, Red Storm Alpha, aimed at protecting port infrastructure from sabotage. In the future, a larger-scale exercise, Red Storm Bravo, is planned to cover the transportation and logistics sectors.
The Bundeswehr's plans have met with support from both politicians and businesses. The leadership of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce noted that the resilience of the economy is crucial for the country's civil and military defense.
Sabotage at NATO bases in Germany
In early September, law enforcement officials in Cologne-Wan, Germany, launched an investigation into possible sabotage at a NATO base that plays a key role in logistics, including support for Ukraine. This base is used, among other things, to send Ukrainian military personnel who have completed their training from Cologne to Poland.
Following the reports of these incidents, the Bundestag expressed suspicions that Russia might be behind them.
At the same time, the media reported that Russian president Vladimir Putin could respond to the decision of Ukraine's partners to authorize strikes on Russian territory with long-range weapons.
