The relationship between Germany and Russia has long been complex, often marked by tension.
During World War II, these two nations were on opposite sides of a devastating conflict that shaped the course of modern history.
The Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 led to one of the war’s deadliest theaters.
Fast forward to today, echoes of this past resonate as both countries again find themselves in opposing spheres, with modern concerns about security and territorial aggression.
Now, Germany’s leadership is openly preparing for potential threats from Russia.
Needs To Fund Defense
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has made a bold case for increasing the nation’s defense budget.
Speaking on Dec. 21, Pistorius cited Russia’s actions as a critical reason for boosting military spending.
"From 2028, we need a defense budget of at least 80 billion, more likely 90 billion euros a year to meet the demands we have due to the worsening security situation," Pistorius stated, according to Kyiv Independent.
"If Putin attacks, we need to be able to wage war," Pistorius warned.
As a leading member of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party, Pistorius has consistently advocated for Germany to bolster its military capabilities.
In November, he described national security as “a fragile asset” and emphasized the need for Germany to accelerate its military investments.
The defense minister also proposed reforming Germany’s strict debt brake laws to finance these upgrades.
"I think it is politically wrong to cling rigidly to the debt brake in this situation," he said. Pistorius argued that funding defense through the regular budget would hinder the government’s overall functionality.
Pistorius further talked about the Bundeswehr’s potential role in future peacekeeping operations in Ukraine, should the war end.
However, he clarified, "As long as the war is not over, there will be no German soldiers on Ukrainian soil."
His stance aligns with broader NATO goals to increase military spending.
This comes amid global discussions, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for NATO allies to raise their defense contributions to 5% of GDP, far above the current 2% benchmark.
