The Kremlin has accused Germany of sliding into militarism after Defense Minister Boris Pistorius openly declared that German forces are prepared to take lethal action against Russian troops.
Speaking to RBK Business Daily on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Pistorius’ remarks as “unbelievable, yet sadly true,” warning that Germany “is becoming dangerous again.”
“Germany is becoming dangerous again,” Peskov stated bluntly, referencing Berlin’s historical role in European conflicts.
Pistorius' controversial remarks were published Sunday in an interview with the Financial Times, where he praised the readiness and resolve of Germany’s troops stationed in NATO member states near Russia.
“If deterrence doesn’t work and Russia attacks, is it going to happen? Yes,” Pistorius said, referring to German troops being ready to kill Russian soldiers if conflict breaks out. “They know exactly what their job is.”
He insisted that Germany is not trying to intimidate anyone, but made it clear that Berlin would not tolerate being perceived as weak. “Peace is only possible from a position of strength,” Pistorius added.
Russian officials have repeatedly denied accusations that Moscow intends to attack NATO member states, calling such claims “absurd” and politically motivated.
“NATO needs a monster to justify its existence,” Peskov said in a prior statement, arguing that the West is exaggerating the Russian threat to inflate defense budgets.
NATO has pushed for increased military spending, with some member states now targeting 5% of GDP. The bloc has also escalated troop deployments in Eastern Europe, citing “deterrence” against Russia.