General Major Alexander Sollfrank, the commander of the Bundeswehr’s Operational Command, has issued a strong warning against the growing threat posed by Russia, asserting that Germany is squarely in Moscow’s sights. Speaking to Politico, Sollfrank stated that Germany is currently facing increasing attacks from Russia in both quantity and quality. These attacks manifest as espionage, sabotage, and disinformation. Regarding the overall security situation in Europe, the three-star general conceded that the era of peace is effectively over.
Sollfrank cautioned against underestimating the military danger, insisting that a Russian attack is genuinely possible, even if no immediate preparations are currently visible. He deemed a Russian attack “very, very realistic.” He drew a clear line in the sand, emphasizing that any conventional attack by Russian armed forces on NATO territory, particularly one involving the seizure of land, such as in the Baltic states, would be “very, very clear” for him.
In preparation for such an event, defense plans are already in place. He indicated that approximately 20,000 soldiers would mobilize via land, air, and sea to be deployed into the Baltic region. These preparations, he explained, began “before the first shot.”
Following recent incidents of sabotage and drone activity, the Bundeswehr is intensifying its protective measures for all military facilities in Germany and is also enhancing its drone defense capabilities. The Operations Plan Germany is meant to play a crucial role in this context, acting as an official warning to Russia: “Do not dare attack; we are prepared.” Germany will function as a central hub for coordinating the deployment of allied forces to NATO’s eastern flank.
Turning to the war in Ukraine, Sollfrank spoke with striking clarity, labelling Russia’s actions as a “criminal war of aggression” against a neighboring country, and noting Russia’s continuous attempt to “crush Ukraine with all force.” He concurrently noted the escalating threats facing not just Ukraine, but also Germany, Europe, and the NATO states generally.
Sollfrank concluded by stating that President Vladimir Putin has committed three strategic errors. He asserted that Moscow overestimated its own military strength, underestimated the capacity of the Ukrainian forces, and failed to account for the unity and cohesion of both Europeans and NATO. He affirmed that they are effectively “deterring Russia daily.”
