German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned that Russia could have the capability to launch an attack against a NATO member state by 2029. She also emphasized that even if the war in Ukraine were to end, Russia would continue to be “an imperialist and aggressive country whose ambitions extend much further.” Russia is “creating for itself the option of a war against NATO at the latest by 2029,” Baerbock stated, citing security service sources during her speech at the Foreign Policy Forum held today, Tuesday (25/11) in Berlin.
German foreign minister: Additional forces likely intended for future conflict with European Union and NATO
Furthermore, the minister emphasized that Russia has largely adapted its economy and society to war and is recruiting more soldiers than it currently needs for the conflict in Ukraine. “The additional forces are likely intended for future conflict with the European Union and NATO,” she noted, adding that the threat from Russia is no longer a distant concern but “already a reality,” highlighting the ongoing hybrid warfare tactics, such as sabotage and disinformation campaigns.
During the Forum, Baerbock met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. Following the meeting, she mentioned that intensive diplomatic efforts are underway to achieve an agreement that would lead to ending the war in Ukraine, emphasizing that the responsibility for this lies with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Peace depends exclusively on Putin. He started the war and he must now end it. If he wants peace, he must finally show the will to negotiate. We – Ukraine, Europe and the US – are ready. Now Putin must decide,” the German foreign minister noted. Baerbock also mentioned that tomorrow an informal EU foreign ministers’ council will take place on the matter.
