Russia’s weapons production outpaces EU by factor of four, German defense minister warns
In his speech, Pistorius emphasized Russia's rapid weapons production, Putin's global ambitions, and need for German military readiness.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has warned that Russia’s military production capabilities now vastly exceed those of the European Union, with Moscow producing in three months what the EU manufactures in an entire year, according to Spiegel‘s report on 23 November.
Germany ranks as the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine globally, following the US. Pro-Russian far-left and far-right parties consistently oppose this support. Even the ruling coalition has considered cuts due to budget constraints; moreover, it risks losing power in February elections triggered by a potential collapse of the coalition.
Speaking at a Friedrich Ebert Foundation event in Arnsberg, Sauerland, Pistorius emphasized that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has evolved beyond a regional conflict. Der Spiegel reports that the minister highlighted how Russian President Vladimir Putin has “completely switched to a war economy.”
“Our security is a fragile asset,” Pistorius said, warning that Putin is engaging in a “serious, irreconcilable fight for a new world order,” as stated in the Russian leader’s speech in late October.
According to Pistorius, Putin already sees himself as victorious in his war against Ukraine. The German defense minister noted that hybrid warfare, including disinformation and fake news campaigns, is in full swing. He urged Germany to accelerate its efforts and increase investments in its “war readiness.”
Related:
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- ISW: Recent Russian missile strike shows no new nuclear threat
- Defense Intelligence of Ukraine: Russia developed strategic plan to divide Ukraine into three parts
- Poll shows more than 60% of Germans against providing Ukraine with Taurus
- Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1000: As war hits 1000 days, EU and US prepare aid for Ukraine
- ISW reports Kremlin threats over US approval of Ukrainian ATACMS strikes inside Russia
- Germany to send thousands of “Mini-Taurus” drones to Ukraine capable of destroying Russian tanks
- Scholz after call with Putin: Little has changed in Russian President’s views of war
- Der Spiegel: German coalition collapse сould delay Ukraine drone deliveries
- German Foreign Minister urges her party to continue supporting Ukraine, including sending long-range weapons
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