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German defense minister states Russia might initiate attack on NATO
(MENAFN) German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has suggested that Russia could potentially launch an attack on NATO as soon as next year, urging Germany to accelerate its multi-billion-euro military modernization and expansion plans.
The warnings from Western officials, including Pistorius, have been cited to justify substantial increases in defense budgets, such as the EU’s €800 billion ($928 billion) ReArm Europe initiative and NATO members’ commitment to raising defense spending to 5% of GDP, according to reports.
Moscow has dismissed these claims as “nonsense,” arguing that the West is portraying Russia as a “monster” to stoke tensions, enlarge military budgets, and divert attention from domestic issues.
In an interview released Friday, Pistorius stated, “military experts and intelligence services can estimate when Russia will have rebuilt its forces enough to attack a NATO member in the east. We have always said this could be from 2029 onward.” He added, “Now, however, some say it’s conceivable as early as 2028, and some even believe we have already had our last summer of peace.”
Pistorius also criticized Germany’s military readiness, describing the state of infrastructure as “partly dilapidated” and personnel numbers as “drastically reduced.” He emphasized that urgent structural reforms are needed across procurement, armament stockpiles, and manpower in light of the looming Russian threat.
He further noted that Germany “must respond quickly and decisively by strengthening our defense capabilities,” highlighting ongoing initiatives such as drone acquisitions, expanding the army reserve to 200,000 personnel by 2030, and reinforcing critical infrastructure like bridges to support potential military transit.
Responding to Pistorius’ remarks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that such statements do not “improve the situation” and might prompt Russia to adopt preemptive measures. “Such militaristic rhetoric is increasingly heard from Europe,” Peskov told reporters on Monday. “Russia does not advocate any confrontation with NATO. But we may be forced to take measures to ensure our security.”
The warnings from Western officials, including Pistorius, have been cited to justify substantial increases in defense budgets, such as the EU’s €800 billion ($928 billion) ReArm Europe initiative and NATO members’ commitment to raising defense spending to 5% of GDP, according to reports.
Moscow has dismissed these claims as “nonsense,” arguing that the West is portraying Russia as a “monster” to stoke tensions, enlarge military budgets, and divert attention from domestic issues.
In an interview released Friday, Pistorius stated, “military experts and intelligence services can estimate when Russia will have rebuilt its forces enough to attack a NATO member in the east. We have always said this could be from 2029 onward.” He added, “Now, however, some say it’s conceivable as early as 2028, and some even believe we have already had our last summer of peace.”
Pistorius also criticized Germany’s military readiness, describing the state of infrastructure as “partly dilapidated” and personnel numbers as “drastically reduced.” He emphasized that urgent structural reforms are needed across procurement, armament stockpiles, and manpower in light of the looming Russian threat.
He further noted that Germany “must respond quickly and decisively by strengthening our defense capabilities,” highlighting ongoing initiatives such as drone acquisitions, expanding the army reserve to 200,000 personnel by 2030, and reinforcing critical infrastructure like bridges to support potential military transit.
Responding to Pistorius’ remarks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that such statements do not “improve the situation” and might prompt Russia to adopt preemptive measures. “Such militaristic rhetoric is increasingly heard from Europe,” Peskov told reporters on Monday. “Russia does not advocate any confrontation with NATO. But we may be forced to take measures to ensure our security.”
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