We must be ready for war by 2029 – German Defence Minister

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius wants to strengthen the operational readiness of the Bundeswehr, Germany's Armed Forces, in view of the threats from Russia.

According to Zeit, Pistorius is convinced that it is necessary to prepare for a potential war.

"We must be ready for war by 2029. We have to act as a deterrent to prevent the worst from happening," he said.

He noted that "in emergency situations, we need young men and women who can defend this country."

Therefore, Germany needs a "new form of military service," which "cannot be completely free of obligations."

Earlier, General Eirik Kristoffersen, the head of the Norwegian Armed Forces, expressed his belief that the Alliance's window of opportunity to prepare for a possible confrontation with Russia had narrowed down to two to three years.

A number of European NATO countries previously noted that there had been a risk of Russian aggression in the near future.

In particular, Polish President Andrzej Duda said that Russia might have the military capability to attack NATO as early as 2026-27.