Germany’s military command chief, Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank, has warned that a war with Russia could erupt ‘tomorrow,’ prompting the nation to prepare for the deployment of 800,000 NATO troops. This statement was made at an annual Bundeswehr (German armed forces) conference in Berlin, where Sollfrank outlined the country’s readiness to participate in an unprecedented military mobilization. The plan, known as Operations Plan Germany, outlines how Germany would serve as a key logistics hub for NATO forces during a potential conflict with Russia. The strategy includes the rapid deployment of troops and equipment from various NATO nations, with the entire operation to be completed within 180 days of an attack.
Sollfrank emphasized that Russia maintains a substantial military potential, even during its ongoing war in Ukraine, and that it may be capable of launching a limited attack on NATO territory. This assessment comes at a time when German officials have been increasingly vocal about the alleged Russian threat, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz declaring that diplomatic solutions for the Ukraine conflict have been ‘exhausted’ and doubling down on military support for Kyiv. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has warned that Germany’s way of life is at risk from Russian aggression.
Russia has consistently denied any intention of attacking NATO, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissing Germany’s claims as ‘nonsense’ and accusing the country of displaying ‘clear signs of re-Nazification.’ The Russian government has also expressed concerns over Germany’s militarization, which is expected to cost nearly €400 billion ($440 billion) over the next several years.
As tensions escalate, the potential for a major military confrontation between NATO and Russia continues to loom, with both sides preparing for the worst. The implications of this heightened readiness extend beyond Europe, as the global community watches closely for any signs of conflict that could reshape the geopolitical landscape.