Germany formulates confidential strategy for possible conflict with Russia

The German military and political leadership has prepared a classified operational plan to address a potential large-scale conflict with Russia.

According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), the document spans 1,000 pages, with most of its content remaining secret, Caliber.Az reports per German newspaper.

The plan reportedly includes a list of buildings and other critical infrastructure that require heightened security measures based on military considerations. It also outlines Germany’s anticipated role as a logistical hub for NATO forces. In the event of war on NATO's eastern flank, Germany is expected to serve as a "centre for tens of thousands, possibly even hundreds of thousands, of soldiers who will need to be transported eastwards."

Bundeswehr representatives described the plan as a "living document," indicating that it may be revised and updated over time. Meanwhile, military officials have already begun engaging with the business sector to prepare for potential emergencies.

For instance, territorial defence representatives in Hamburg recently advised local business leaders to train employees in truck driving, acquire diesel generators, and develop contingency plans for crisis situations.

This development highlights Germany's proactive approach to strengthening its national and NATO-wide readiness amidst heightened geopolitical tensions.

In parallel, Russian President Vladimir Putin has revised Russia's nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for a nuclear strike in response to a broader range of conventional attacks. The updated policy allows for nuclear retaliation if conventional attacks critically threaten the sovereignty or territorial integrity of Russia or its ally Belarus. This marks a shift from the previous doctrine, which limited nuclear responses to nuclear attacks or existential threats.

The revision follows the United States’ recent approval of Ukraine’s use of U.S.-made ATACMS missiles to target deep into Russian territory, sparking heightened tensions. Russia views such actions as escalating Western involvement in the conflict, with Moscow warning that attacks by NATO-supported forces may be considered joint assaults by the entire alliance.

Russian officials emphasized the doctrine's purpose as a deterrent, cautioning against underestimating the risk of nuclear confrontation. The Kremlin likened the crisis to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, suggesting the world is entering an unprecedented phase of geopolitical tension.

Analysts and officials have expressed concerns that the war, now in its 1,000th day, is entering a dangerous phase. Meanwhile, market reactions to the decree reflect global unease, with safe-haven assets rallying while the Russian rouble weakened.

The Kremlin asserts the doctrine underscores Russia's commitment to avoiding nuclear war but signals its readiness to retaliate decisively. This development underscores escalating risks in the Ukraine conflict as Russia advances and the West faces decisions on its role in the war’s potential conclusion.

By Aghakazim Guliyev