Germany warns Russia could be ready to attack NATO by 2029

Germany's top diplomat has raised alarm about Russia's military preparations, warning that Moscow could be capable of attacking a NATO country by 2029. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul delivered the sobering assessment during his address at the Berlin Foreign Policy Forum on Tuesday, pointing to intelligence indicating Russia is developing offensive capabilities against the alliance.

Intelligence Assessment of Russian Intentions

Wadephul revealed that “Our intelligence services are telling us urgently that Russia is at least creating the option of a war against NATO by 2029 at the latest.” He argued that Russia's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, describing them as "imperial" in scope. The minister emphasized that Moscow has significantly enhanced its military capabilities and dramatically increased weapons production in recent years, posing a direct threat to European security.

Massive Military Buildup and Recruitment

The German official detailed concerning patterns in Russia's military expansion, noting that “Russia has largely geared its economy and society toward war.” He highlighted an aggressive recruitment campaign, revealing that “Russia is recruiting more soldiers than it currently needs,” with nearly one additional division being formed each month. Wadephul left no doubt about the intended target of these forces, stating “These divisions, without a doubt, have their sights set on us—on the European Union, on NATO.”

Current Hybrid Warfare Tactics

Wadephul characterized the existing threat as immediate rather than distant, asserting that “The threat to our country from Russia is no longer a distant concern; it is already a reality.” He accused Moscow of employing "hybrid war" tactics against NATO members, including repeated airspace violations, sabotage operations, and extensive disinformation campaigns designed to destabilize allied nations and test alliance cohesion.