Key facts
- Germany's army chief, Lt. Gen. Alfons Mais, warned that Russia could be prepared to attack a NATO partner by 2029.
- This assessment is based on intelligence agreed upon by all 32 NATO allies.
- Mais stressed the urgent need for the German army to enhance its capabilities for immediate combat readiness.
- The warning aligns with other intelligence reports indicating Russia's military buildup near NATO borders.
Germany's army chief, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, has warned that Russia could be prepared to attack a NATO partner country by 2029, citing intelligence shared among all 32 NATO allies. This assessment is not specific to Germany but represents a consensus view based on NATO intelligence, with the possibility of an attack occurring even sooner.
Mais stressed the immediate need for the German army to enhance its capabilities for immediate combat readiness, stating that "speed is of the essence now" and that "intermediate solutions" are required to address existing gaps. This assessment aligns with recent reports from Nordic intelligence officials and military officers indicating Russia is expanding its military presence near its borders with Finland, Norway, and the Baltic states.
These officials have reiterated warnings about the threat posed by Russia, particularly in the next one to three years, while Europe is still in the process of rebuilding its defense capabilities. Despite increased defense spending across European nations following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, disagreements remain on the exact resources needed to counter a potential Russian offensive.
Concerns about NATO's collective response have also been amplified by questions surrounding the potential commitment of the United States, particularly in light of discussions about U.S. troop withdrawals from NATO countries. President Volodymyr Zelensky has also warned of potential Russian actions using Belarusian territory, highlighting the strategic importance of areas like the Suwalki Gap.