Germany Warns that Russia May Soon Test NATO’s Article 5
Germany has serious concerns about the growing military threat from Russia and its implications for NATO. The key point is that Russia may be ready to attack NATO within five to eight years, requiring the Alliance to urgently refocus on defence.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the article ‘Germany Sounds the Alarm on Russia: NATO Test Ahead.’
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has repeatedly stressed the need to strengthen NATO's defence capabilities, noting that European countries have ‘five to eight years’ to catch up. This assessment is based on an analysis of the restoration of Russian military potential despite significant losses in the war against Ukraine. Russia is actively increasing arms production and reorienting its economy towards military needs, which indicates long-term aggressive intentions.
Restoring collective defence capabilities should be a priority for NATO. This includes reviewing strategies, increasing defence spending, modernising armed forces and conducting large-scale exercises. Germany, in particular, has committed to significantly increasing its defence budget and strengthening the Bundeswehr.
Germany is paying particular attention to NATO's eastern flank, where countries directly bordering Russia are located. Strengthening their security is critical to deterring potential aggression. Germany plans to deploy a permanent combat brigade in Lithuania, which will be an important step in strengthening regional defence.
The challenges facing NATO are not only military. They include information campaigns, cyberattacks and hybrid threats aimed at undermining the unity of the Alliance and trust in its institutions. In this context, the role of Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian aggression for two years, is extremely important. Its combat experience and resilience are valuable assets for Euro-Atlantic security as a whole.
The article concludes that NATO's future depends on how effectively the Alliance can adapt to new realities and demonstrate unity and determination in countering the Russian threat. This requires joint efforts, significant investment and constant readiness to defend its borders and values.
As The Gaze reported earlier, the head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service, Bruno Kahl, said that Russia intends to test NATO's resolve, in particular by expanding its confrontation with the West beyond Ukraine.