Lieutenant General Gerald Funke, the head of the German armed forces support command, has issued a stark warning that Germany is actively preparing for a potential Russian attack on NATO within the next two to three years. In a significant development, he revealed that thousands of German troops are being readied for a full-scale war scenario, highlighting escalating concerns across Europe about military preparedness.
European Military Readiness Under Scrutiny
This preparation comes as European countries increasingly ramp up their military readiness in response to growing geopolitical tensions. Experts have cautioned that many nations across the continent may be inadequately prepared for such a conflict, with Lieutenant General Funke expressing particular alarm about hybrid threats. These include potential sabotage operations, the activation of sleeper cells, and the deployment of long-range missiles by adversaries.
NATO's Response and Peace Efforts
Amidst these preparations, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed that US-led peace talks are ongoing, with the objective of achieving either a comprehensive peace deal or a long-term ceasefire. However, the situation remains precarious, as NATO has also warned that Ukraine faces one of its harshest winters yet, with Russia continuing to target the country's energy grid, exacerbating humanitarian and strategic challenges.
The warnings from Lieutenant General Funke underscore a broader shift in European defence postures, as nations reassess their security strategies in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With Germany taking a proactive stance, the focus is now on ensuring that NATO allies are collectively bolstered against potential aggression, while diplomatic avenues are pursued to de-escalate tensions and secure a stable resolution.
