A possible Russian invasion of Europe is “more than ever” and Germany could be wiped off the map at any moment, according to a leaked report in Germany. Top military officials in Germany have urged the country to prepare for an impending war with Russia, fearing that the war in Ukraine will escalate into a global conflict with NATO.
In classified documents leaked to Germany’s leading media organ, Der Spiegel, it was reported that one of the country’s top generals, Eberhard Zorn, ordered the army to prepare for war in the face of “existential” threats. The 68-page document “Operational Guidelines for the Armed Forces”, prepared at the end of September, also lists urgent tasks for preparation for the war situation.
General Zorn called for a complete overhaul of the German army and to prepare itself for war, while “attacks on Germany could potentially be carried out without warning and causing major damage.” statements were included.
‘ARMY MUST BE READY FOR WAR IMMEDIATELY’
The German armed forces, known as the Bundeswehr, have 183,638 active personnel and 949,000 reserve personnel as of February this year. It’s called a low figure compared to the Russian army, which reportedly includes around one million active troops and up to two million reservists.
In the 68-page report, Zorn argues that although the modern German army has conducted operations in areas such as Afghanistan, these experiences are not sufficient for a future war, and that the Bundeswehr should prepare for a “forced war” on its territory. Warning that the possibility of war in a NATO member country in Eastern Europe “is increasing again”, Zorn urged Germany to play a leading role in the continent’s defense and to build a “stronger” armed forces.
Underlining the need to activate large units ready to fight for NATO, instead of downsizing smaller, specialized units operating abroad, Zorn said alliance defense should be effective, including the ability to provide visible and credible deterrence.
OLAF SCHOLZ IS READY TO INCREASE MILITARY EXPENDITURES
Experts say this report marks a radical change in Germany’s military policy since the end of the Second World War.
It was noteworthy that the report followed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s rhetoric as a “turning point” after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February. In previous statements, Scholz acknowledged that “war in Europe is a reality again” and promised to increase defense spending to around 100 billion euros.
‘WE SHOULD NOT EXPECT SUPPORT FROM NATO’
As part of the massive strengthening of Germany’s military, it has been announced that it will purchase 53 Airbus A400M transport aircraft, Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets and several unmanned aerial vehicles. It is also expected to procure additional NH90 helicopters, 579 Puma infantry fighting vehicles, 503 Boxer multipurpose armored combat vehicles, new warships and military submarines.
Germany also says it wants to bring home most of its troops in Mali, where they are deployed as part of a United Nations stabilization mission, in leaked documents. The German newspaper says that if Russia attacks NATO’s eastern border, Germany will have to provide “combat forces” and should not expect support from the United States.
‘ARMY CANNOT MOVE IN EUROPE IF WE DON’T ACT FAST’
Zorn warns that neither the EU nor NATO can afford to “plan and build forces only after the attack has taken place”.
Continuing his words, Zorn said, “No army can move in Europe unless we act quickly.” He emphasized the urgency of the situation.
THE AMOUNT GIVEN TO UKRAINE CANNOT BE RENEWED AGAIN
“There is a heated War in Ukraine. The procedures here are still conducted in peacetime mode, while inflation in Germany is consuming money,” a defense executive told Reuters. Another source claimed that the ammunition that Germany supplied to Ukraine had not yet filled its place and left its army hopelessly understaffed.
