Germany's wake-up call: Preparing for a resurgent Russia

In an interview with "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" ("FAZ"), Bundeswehr Chief Inspector Carsten Breuer acknowledges that the biggest problem at present is the Russian threat. The general points out that the Russian armed forces are being reconstructed regardless of the situation in Ukraine, and this process will end within the next five to eight years. - For us, this means the year 2029, and by then, we must have armed forces ready to act that can repel any possible Russian aggression. This is deterrence, we must succeed, - says Breuer.

The Bundeswehr general admits that Russia is making slow but steady progress, and the times "clearly favor Russia." He assesses the situation in Ukraine on the front as full of stalemates. Despite this, Breuer evaluates the Ukrainian defense positively. "But Russia has the potential to fuel this war for a long time", we read in "FAZ".

Referring to Germany, the general admits that, especially in Germany, there is a noted increase in sabotage, espionage, and hybrid influence operations. - It happens across the entire spectrum, indicating peace, but we are being attacked – though below the military threshold. Russia can escalate and de-escalate and constantly tries to test us with these attacks - says Breuer. He believes Germany is not defenseless but must defend itself as a whole society. It is no longer solely a task for the military.

In the interview, the Bundeswehr general rejects Russian allegations that the tactical NATO coordination center in the Baltic region (CTF Baltic) opened in Rostock in October violates international treaties. It mainly concerns the two-plus-four treaty regulating, among other things, the deployment of armed forces. "CTF Baltic is a national command with multinational participation. These are individual soldiers, not armed forces, a battalion, or a separate staff. The German navy improves the situational awareness in the Baltic Sea region, which we urgently need for threat analysis. And, of course, we share our findings with our NATO partners. It does not affect the two-plus-four treaty. The fact that Russia claims so is part of hybrid influence," claims the general.

Referring to German politicians from the BSW party and parts of the SPD, who oppose the deployment of American missiles in Germany, Carsten Breuer admits that "he would like to see a slightly different discussion on this topic." As he emphasizes, the decision to deploy US missiles was made because Russia had already positioned missiles in Kaliningrad years ago, "which can reach us in Germany and strike us," as reported. According to the general, the American missiles are intended to fill a gap in European deterrence until Europe's weapons can fill them.

The highest-ranking German military officer is concerned that "we don't want to acknowledge unpleasant things in Germany. We still turn a blind eye to the very clear Russian threat." As Breuer mentions, Russia produces from 1,000 to 1,500 combat tanks annually, about twice as many as the five largest European NATO countries have in their stockpiles.

He also points out that in the coming years, the Russian army will grow to 1.5 million soldiers – doubling compared to the state before the war in Ukraine. - It must be understood that we must be able to deter Russia. We must clearly state that an attack on NATO territory would have unimaginable consequences. Our security is like the air we breathe: we do not realize it until it is missing, - appeals Breuer.

The general acknowledges that the minimum is two percent of the GDP on defense. By 2028, this means a defense budget of around 90 billion dollars. - Two percent is not a theoretical number but is necessary to adapt our defensive capabilities to the growing threat, - concludes Carsten Breuer.