Russia Could Exploit Ukraine Ceasefire to Prepare Attack on NATO, German FM Warns
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned that Moscow could use a potential ceasefire in Ukraine to accelerate preparations for a possible attack on NATO.
The Gaze reports this, referring to Deutsche Welle.
Speaking in an interview with the German news agency, Wadephul said the Alliance must be ready for the scenario in which Russia takes advantage of a pause in fighting to rebuild and reposition its forces. While avoiding speculation about the likelihood of such an outcome, he stressed that NATO should prepare for it nonetheless.
Wadephul pointed to ongoing efforts within the Alliance to strengthen defense structures and noted that Germany is reforming its armed forces by increasing troop strength and expanding its arsenal in response to the perceived Russian threat. He cautioned that Europe must not lower its guard even if diplomatic efforts lead to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
According to the German foreign minister, long-term security in Europe will continue to depend on relations with Russia, which, he said, “can only be deterred through strength, unity within the Alliance, and combat-ready armed forces.” He argued against any rollback of current defense initiatives, insisting that only a firm stance can enhance security for both NATO and Germany.
Wadephul also warned that sustained military success by Russia in Ukraine would pose a direct and serious threat to the Alliance. For that reason, he said, continued support for Kyiv remains a core element of Germany’s national security interests.
His comments echo earlier warnings from German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who last month said Russia could be capable of attacking NATO’s eastern flank as early as 2029 if it succeeds in rebuilding its military capabilities.
In addition, Wadephul emphasized the need for credible Western security guarantees for Ukraine in the context of ceasefire talks, particularly from the United States. He said any commitments must be backed by genuine readiness to defend Ukraine in the event of renewed Russian aggression.
He suggested that Kyiv might consider difficult compromises, including potential territorial concessions, only if it receives reliable security guarantees from its Western partners. Europe will also have to play its part, with detailed discussions to follow if a ceasefire is reached and if Russia demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace – something he said Moscow has yet to do.
As The Gaze previously reported, Berlin and Kyiv reached agreements worth €1.2 billion after a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, including funding for Ukrainian defense production and additional air-defense capabilities.
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