Germany may have to wage a defensive war against Russia in the future, German televisions news program Tagesschau reported on Dec. 9, citing Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) Inspector General Carsten Breuer.
Breuer expressed concern about Russia’s rearmament and the behavior of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, saying there will be no return to the times before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Germany will have to get used to the idea “that one day we might have to fight a defensive war,” he said.
Asked whether the Bundeswehr would be able to cope with a possible Russian attack on NATO after the war in Ukraine, Breuer replied, “Yes. Period. We have no alternative. We can defend ourselves and we will defend ourselves.
However, he also admitted that the Bundeswehr is currently not well equipped for “national and allied defense” because it has been focused on resolving international crises, adding that there are “structures that make quick and targeted decisions almost impossible.
Europe fears the United States might withdraw from NATO if U.S. Republican politician Donald Trump wins the 2024 U.S. presidential election, media reported on Dec. 9.
Russia will attack NATO countries if it conquers Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden said on Dec. 6. Russia is rebuilding its forces and capabilities and preparing for a potential confrontation with NATO, said Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart, NATO Multinational Corps Commander on Dec. 5.
Russia has started replenishing its strategic missile stock, which serves as carriers for nuclear weapons, said Yuriy Ihnat, the Ukrainian Air Force’s spokesperson, on Dec. 4.
