Pistorius warns of Russian risk at safety convention | EUROtoday

As of: November 18, 2025 10:17 p.m

Defense Minister Pistorius warned of the rising risk from Russia on the Berlin Security Conference. The Baltic Sea can be more and more changing into “an area of ​​confrontation.” NATO General Gerhartz known as for far-reaching reforms in Germany.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius known as on European allies on the Berlin Security Conference to rapidly develop protection preparedness on the continent. He referred to an growing risk from Russia.

“The Baltic Sea, which has long been considered a bridge between European countries, is increasingly becoming an area of ​​confrontation,” mentioned Pistorius. It is Putin’s testing floor for Europe’s deterrence and response capabilities. He cited broken submarine cables, airspace violations and drone overflights as examples.

“We can no longer talk about coincidences here.”

“We can no longer talk about coincidences here. It’s strategy. It’s harbingers,” mentioned Pistorius. “Moscow is already waging hybrid attacks against all of us with cyberattacks, espionage, sabotage and disinformation,” Pistorius mentioned.

The SPD politician signed an settlement together with his Swedish counterpart Pål Jonson for elevated army cooperation with the NATO nation. Sweden is the accomplice nation of the assembly this 12 months.

On the sidelines of the convention, the Dutchman Martin Bonn, beforehand deputy division commander of the tenth Panzer Division, was promoted to main basic. He will now be deputy to the German subject military commander – a novelty within the in-depth cooperation.

NATO basic requires reforms

NATO General Ingo Gerhartz known as on Germany to step up its efforts to discourage a potential Russian assault. In order to efficiently push back and forestall the threats and growing numbers of hybrid assaults, a elementary reform of procurement, the fast implementation of the brand new army service and a strengthening of protection preparedness all through society are important, mentioned Gerhartz at first of the convention.

“Germany as a whole has not yet reached the strategic maturity that is required in our time,” mentioned the German basic, who’s accountable for the operational headquarters (“Allied Joint Force Command”) in Brunssum, the Netherlands. “If Germany wants to be a developed security actor, the entire country must understand that investing in capabilities alone is not enough.”

Gerhartz referred to the months-long dispute over army service that has now been resolved. Russia additionally sees that German procurement administration typically takes years and the trade has issues ramping up arms manufacturing.

Dealing with assaults within the grey space

He warned in opposition to damaging the credibility of the protection alliance. NATO can’t regulate deterrence for Germany, however should be capable to “deter through Germany.” It should even be mentioned how deterrence can work sooner or later within the so-called grey zone of hybrid assaults and beneath the duty to offer help beneath Article 5. Gerhartz demanded: “We have to rethink our attitude to deterrence.”

Politicians, army representatives and financial consultants can be discussing strengthening protection in Europe on the Berlin Security Conference till Wednesday. At the two-day assembly, greater than 140 consultants can be on the lectern and can participate in discussions. The consultants need to make clear how to reply to totally different threats to NATO and the EU.