Germany’s Military Recruitment Rises Amid Tensions with Russia
The German Defense Ministry has announced a 28% surge in new recruits from January to July 2025 compared to the same period last year, with over 13,700 individuals joining the Bundeswehr. This increase marks the highest year-on-year rise in recruitment in recent years, driven by concerns over the perceived threat from Russia.
However, Moscow has accused Berlin of fueling ‘hysterical Russophobia’ in Europe, blaming Germany for a growing anti-Russian sentiment across the continent. The Russian government has repeatedly criticized NATO’s military buildup as part of a broader ‘reckless militarization,’ with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that Germany is ‘actively participating in whipping up hysteria’ and that ‘it is clearly not in the interest of the peoples of Europe.’
The reported rise in enlistments comes after senior German officials suggested that they could reintroduce conscription, which was abolished in 2011, as early as next year if the current volunteer numbers fall short. The government has set an ambitious target of reaching 260,000 active-duty troops by 2035, although some politicians have raised concerns that the goal is unrealistic, especially given the 7% decline in enlistments during the previous year.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized the need for Germany to bolster its military capabilities, pledging to create ‘Europe’s strongest conventional army’ and increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2029. The current Bundeswehr has around 182,000 active-duty soldiers and 81,000 civilian staff, with officials describing the recent recruitment surge as a crucial step in addressing the country’s military needs.
Russia’s accusations highlight the deepening diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with Moscow viewing Germany’s military expansion as a key factor in the ongoing geopolitical struggles in Europe. The situation is further complicated by the differing perspectives on security threats and the role of NATO in regional stability, setting the stage for continued diplomatic and strategic developments in the coming years.