With 90,000 personnel gearing up for the largest military exercises in decades, there is a cautionary message that Russia might initiate an attack by 2034 or even sooner. Citizens are being advised to brace themselves for a significant conflict.
The German defense minister has issued a warning that Russia might attack NATO within the next five years, coinciding with the alliance’s preparation for its most extensive military exercises in decades amid growing global uncertainties. Boris Pistorius conveyed to the German news outlet Der Tagesspiegel, “Our experts anticipate a window of five to eight years during which this could become a reality.”
“Given the frequent threats from the Kremlin, it’s imperative to consider the possibility that Vladimir Putin might initiate an attack on a NATO country one day,” expressed the German defense minister.
While he said it was unlikely “for now”, Mr Pistorius warned that “we are dealing with a military threat situation in Europe that has not existed for 30 years”. “We see it through Russia’s attack on Ukraine. We hear threats from the Kremlin almost every day – most recently against our friends in the Baltics.”His warning comes on the day the chairman of the NATO military committee urged people to be ready for a conflict that would require a significant change to their lives.
While Mr. Pistorius acknowledged that it is presently improbable, he cautioned that “we are facing a military threat situation in Europe that has not been present for 30 years.”
This threat perception is underscored by Russia’s incursion into Ukraine and regular threats emanating from the Kremlin, particularly targeting Baltic nations.
His caution coincides with the chairman of the NATO military committee urging people to be prepared for a conflict that would necessitate substantial lifestyle changes.
Admiral Rob Bauer emphasized, “We need to recognize that being in a state of peace is not guaranteed. This is why NATO forces are getting ready for a potential conflict with Russia. However, the conversation extends beyond military preparations to include the industrial base and the understanding that individuals also have a role to play.”
Approximately 90,000 NATO personnel, including 20,000 from the UK, are set to participate in extensive drills over the next few months, starting next week. This exercise, named Steadfast Defender 24, is the alliance’s most significant since the Cold War. Leaders aim to demonstrate NATO’s capability to defend its entire territory up to its border with Russia.
The exercises will showcase NATO’s ability to carry out and sustain intricate multi-domain operations across vast distances for several months, spanning from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe, under diverse conditions, according to the 31-nation alliance.
Troops will be mobilizing to and traversing Europe until the end of May, engaging in what NATO terms “a simulated emerging conflict scenario with a near-peer adversary.
NATO currently identifies Russia and terrorist organizations as its primary adversaries.
US General Christopher Cavoli highlighted that the exercises, occurring concurrently with Russia’s engagement in Ukraine, will showcase “our unity, our strength, and our determination to protect each other.”
Although NATO is not directly engaged in the conflict, it is providing Ukraine with non-lethal assistance. Additionally, numerous member countries have been delivering weapons, ammunition, and offering military training.
NATO had initiated the reinforcement of security measures on its eastern flank, adjacent to Russia and Ukraine, in the months preceding Vladimir Putin’s directive to deploy troops into Ukraine in February 2022.