For the first time since the Cold War, Germany has updated its plans in case of a war conflict in Europe. Federal ministers see the threat in Russia and have accordingly supplemented the guidelines in a 67-page document known as the Framework Directive for Total Defense. The latest version was published two weeks ago and envisions a complete transformation of German citizens’ lives in the event of war.
It is now clear that Germany, which has maintained an anti-militaristic stance since the end of World War II, is compelled by circumstances to adapt its security and military policy in light of the Russian conflict in Ukraine.
In wartime conditions, mandatory military conscription would be reinstated, and qualified workers over 18 would participate by performing various tasks. The expertise of doctors, psychologists, nurses, and veterinarians could be redirected to military service.
The document lists resource and food rationing as one of the steps in case of a wartime state. In the event of food shortages, the government would ensure supplies to provide every citizen with one hot meal a day for an indefinite period. Key resources such as oil and gasoline would be rationed with coupons, and civil protection measures include converting subways into bunkers and preparing hospitals for an influx of patients.
‘Ready for war by 2029’
German media cited last Wednesday the German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who said: “We must be ready for war by 2029.”
Pistorius added that “we must not believe that Putin will stop at the borders of Ukraine when he gets that far.”
In recent weeks, Russia has issued some of its harshest warnings to the West yet certain NATO members gave Ukraine permission to use their weapons to attack limited targets within Russian territory.
Last Wednesday, Putin described the acquisition of Western weapons as a “very serious and dangerous step.”
The Russian leader specifically pointed to the near-total breakdown in relations with Germany, claiming that the appearance of German tanks in Ukraine resulted in a “moral, ethical shock,” because “the attitude towards [Germany] in Russian society has always been very good.”
“Now, when they say that there will be more missiles targeting objects on Russian territory, this, of course, ultimately destroys Russian-German relations,” Putin said, N1 reports.
E.Dz.
