Berlin is preparing for a large-scale conflict with Russia by 2029, the German army chief told the outlet
Ukrainian military instructors will help train Germany’s army to defend against a possible Russian attack on NATO by 2029, the head of the German army, Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, told Reuters on Wednesday. Moscow has repeatedly rejected the narrative of an impending Russian attack as “nonsense.”
Under the plan, Ukraine would send several dozen trainers to German military schools to share battlefield experience gained from fighting Russian forces. The arrangement was agreed upon in February.
The Ukrainian trainers are expected to contribute expertise in artillery, engineering, drone warfare, and command-and-control systems. The move marks a role reversal after years of Western forces training Ukrainian troops. Germany alone has trained over 25,000 Ukrainian soldiers since 2022, according to DPA, and has been one of Kiev’s key backers in the conflict.
Berlin has also committed billions in military aid to Kiev since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, supplying Leopard tanks, howitzers, and air defense systems, despite Moscow’s repeated warnings that Western military assistance only prolongs the fighting and increases the risk of direct confrontation.
Freuding further cited intelligence assessments suggesting Russia could be ready for a large-scale attack on NATO by 2029. “That’s almost the day after tomorrow. We have no time – the enemy doesn’t wait for us to declare we’re ready,” he said.
The announcement comes amid broader European militarization with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte consistently urging member states to adopt a “wartime mindset.” Top British and German defense officials recently urged citizens to accept “difficult choices” on military spending as NATO states have moved to hit targets of 5% of GDP.
Several EU states, including Germany, have also moved to reintroduce military conscription, sparking public backlash. Last week, thousands of German students launched mass protests against Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s plans, with demonstrators accusing the government of trying to lay the groundwork for forced mobilization and suggesting “Merz should go to the front himself and risk his own life.”
Moscow has consistently denied any intention of attacking NATO, dismissing such claims as “nonsense” used to whip up anti-Russian hysteria and justify military buildup. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated last month that Russia has “no reason” to attack Europe unless struck first.
