Germany Braces for War with Russia, Urges NATO Allies to Arm and Get Ready

Germany must be prepared to respond to a potential Russian attack, warned Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF, Pistorius stressed the importance of strengthening military capabilities in collaboration with NATO allies. While Germany is not presently facing a direct threat, Pistorius emphasized the need for proactive readiness to address unforeseen attacks.

To prepare for an unpredictable attack, Pistorius asserted that Germany and its NATO partners must arm themselves, a process already underway. He emphasized the significance of deterrence, stating that a credible deterrent signals to potential aggressors that the target is capable of retaliation. This, according to Pistorius, positions a country effectively against a potential aggressor from the outset.

Addressing the potential scenario of a Russian attack on the Baltics, Pistorius mentioned the establishment of the “Lithuania Brigade.” Comprising around 4,800 soldiers, this unit is anticipated to be ready by 2027 and represents the first German force permanently stationed abroad since World War II.

Pistorius acknowledged the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and suggested that Russia would require several years to be ready for a full-scale offensive. He urged Western countries to utilize this time to intensively arm themselves against potential threats.

Earlier reports, citing a classified document, suggested that Germany is preparing for a scenario in which Russia launches an “open attack” on NATO in mid-2025, following major victories in Ukraine. Pistorius’s comments align with these concerns, emphasizing the need for Germany to be prepared for unforeseen developments.