News - German Defense Minister: Germany is not ready to defend itself against the Russian threat

Germany is not ready to defend itself against the security challenges Europe will face in the future, the country's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has warned, the British publication The Telegraph reports. Pistorius, who has often called for Germany to become "war-ready" since he took office a year ago, said the country needs to prepare "to confront threats from Russia and other actors." "Are we seriously prepared to defend this country in an emergency? And who is this 'we'? This debate needs to be had," he addressed trainee soldiers at a military academy in Hamburg. Pistorius also warned that peace in Europe "is no longer an irrefutable certainty," adding that the Bundeswehr's role has changed amid the evolving security challenges facing Germany and its other NATO allies. "Germany is a stronger and more active player in security policy, including militarily," he said.