German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has issued a stark warning that intelligence assessments suggest Russia may carry out an attack on a NATO member by 2029, as Moscow continues its military expansion and economic mobilization for war. This is the third time this month that high-ranking German officials have raised alarms about the possibility of a confrontation with Russia in the next four years. The foreign ministry’s official X account emphasized that the intelligence agencies are issuing urgent warnings, underscoring the need to deter further Russian aggression through collective NATO action.
Wadephul highlighted that the threat from Russia is no longer a distant concern but a present reality, with the country’s military and economic preparations signaling a potential for conflict in the near future. Retired NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen. Philip Breedlove, echoed these concerns, stating that Russia’s intention to reshape the security architecture of Eastern Europe to a Cold War-like status is clear. He noted that Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, aiming to control buffer nations between Russia and NATO.
The warnings are compounded by military assessments from other senior officials, including Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who suggested a war between Russia and NATO could begin as early as 2028. Lt. Gen. Alexander Sollfrank, head of Germany’s joint operations command, added that a larger assault could become possible by 2029 if Russia’s rearmament efforts continue. These military warnings, combined with political statements, highlight a growing consensus among NATO leaders that a potential conflict with Russia is increasingly imminent.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing peace talks between the United States and the warring parties, as President Donald Trump stated he would not meet with Putin or Ukraine’s president until the peace deal is finalized. Despite these negotiations, a major Russian strike on Kyiv underscores the persistent threat, keeping the possibility of a large-scale conflict in the headlines.