Germany‘s Defense Minister Warns of Potential Russian Attack on NATO Territory Within Years
Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has cautioned that Russia could launch an attack on NATO territory within the next few years. In an interview with the media group "Funke," published by "Deutsche Welle," Pistorius emphasized the growing threat posed by Russia, including its hybrid threats.
While Pistorius stated that an immediate Russian military attack on NATO is not anticipated, he noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently geared his country’s economy towards wartime conditions. Currently, Russia produces more weapons and ammunition in a few months than all EU countries combined in a year.
"By 2029 or 2030, Putin could have significantly bolstered his army to the point where Russia could strike NATO," Pistorius warned. "We must be prepared for the possibility that in the coming years, Putin might try to test NATO’s unity by invading a part of its territory."
Pistorius also sounded the alarm about Putin’s hybrid threats against Germany. He cited potential disruptions to infrastructure and energy supplies, activities in the Baltic and North Seas, and violations of airspace regulations. Additionally, he mentioned the possibility of social media campaigns, interference in election processes, and funding for far-right parties like "Alternative for Germany" and "Sara Wagenknecht’s Alliance," which argue that Germany does not defend its interests but goes to war with Russia.
Pistorius stressed that these actions are part of Putin’s strategy to destabilize and divide German society. "We must do everything to prevent Putin’s strategy from succeeding," he said.
When asked about the current state of Germany’s armed forces and their readiness to defend against threats, Pistorius replied, "We are on the right track." He highlighted that in 2024, 97 large projects worth €58 billion were approved, exceeding the previous year’s record.
However, Pistorius acknowledged that Germany has sent a significant amount of military equipment to Ukraine and that the industry needs time to increase its weapons and ammunition production capacity. He noted that delivery times for tanks like the "Leopard" can take up to two and a half years, while ships and submarines can take between six and eight years.
Earlier, in mid-December, Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Belousov did not rule out a "NATO military conflict in Europe in the next decade." He emphasized that Russia’s Defense Ministry must prepare for further escalation of the confrontation with Western countries.
Pistorius’ warnings come amidst growing tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine’s integration into NATO. In July, the NATO summit in Washington stated that Ukraine is on an "irreversible path" to full Euro-Atlantic integration.
Just over two weeks ago, Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) president Bruno Kahl warned that Russia is preparing for a real military confrontation with Western countries but could first attempt to drive a wedge within NATO. He suggested that Russia might test NATO’s commitment to Article 5 by creating local crises, such as an "immediate attack" on Norway’s Svalbard archipelago or disputes with Baltic states over Russian-language protection.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, these warnings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of growing security challenges.
