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German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius issued a stark warning that last summer "could have been the last peaceful summer" for Europe, after estimating that a potential conflict between NATO and Russia could occur before 2029.
The statements provoked an immediate reaction from Moscow.
Pistorius said that until recently, Germany and NATO considered a Russian attack on the Alliance possible from 2029 onwards, however, the latest assessments speak of a possible escalation as early as 2028.
"Some military historians believe that we have already experienced the last peaceful summer," he said.
The German minister stressed that NATO countries urgently need to modernize and rearmament, noting that Germany is already in a phase of preparation. From 2027, citizens will undergo medical checks to identify potential future reservists in case of an emergency, while the government plans to create a large reserve force to strengthen the country's defense.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that his goal is to make the Bundeswehr the strongest military force in Europe. Pistorius has also indicated that, if attacked, Germany is ready to "kill Russian soldiers." According to him, peace can only be secured with strength and a readiness to defend, a stance that reflects Germany's hardening stance towards Moscow.
"After this, we have no doubt who is acting as the aggressor," Moscow responded.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reacted to Pistorius's statements, claiming in a statement to the TASS agency that "behind these words there is no doubt who is acting as the aggressor."
Moscow has been particularly critical of reports of an imminent conflict, accusing Germany of aggressive rhetoric.
Pistorius's statements are part of an interview he gave on November 15 to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, in which the German minister argued that the risk of war is not theoretical, but requires preparation and determination from Alliance countries. As he noted, NATO has significant deterrent capabilities, including nuclear weapons, which he said contribute to maintaining stability, despite rising tensions.
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