German military deems Russia ‘existential risk’ to nation and Europe: Report
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German soldiers in Lithuania in May, marking the official formation of Germany's first permanent overseas military unit since World War II, aimed at bolstering Nato's eastern flank against Russia.
PHOTO: AFP
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BERLIN – The German military deems Russia an “existential risk” to the country and Europe, according to a Spiegel news magazine report that cites a new Bundeswehr strategy paper.
The confidential document warns that the Kremlin is aligning both its industrial and leadership structures “specifically to meet the requirements for a large-scale conflict against Nato by the end of this decade”.
Russia is verifiably preparing for a conflict with Nato, particularly by strengthening forces in western Russia “at the borders with Nato”, the report cites the strategy paper as saying.
As early as 2026, Russia could have around 1.5 million soldiers on active duty, according to the paper.
Germany can only counter this threat “with a consistent development of military and society-wide capabilities”, the document concludes.
Military personnel and experts developed the strategy paper over the past 18 months to serve as a guideline for the future direction of Germany’s Bundeswehr, the Spiegel report said.
The Defence Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently backed US President Donald Trump’s demand
