Russia won't attack Germany, most Germans believe, though just 2% believe its Armed Forces are ready
Most Germans - about 61% - don't believe that Russia will invade their country in the next decade, though only 2% believe Germany is well-prepared should it happen, reports DW regarding a YouGov poll.
Nearly one in four Germans - about 23% - fear that Russia could invade Germany by 2030, the survey found.
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About 12% of Germans believe the German Armed Forces are "rather well" prepared in case of invasion, while 39% believe they are in "bad" or "very bad" shape.
Older respondents had a poorer view of the army than their younger peers, DW reported.
As for whether Russia will attack a NATO country by 2030, nearly half (48%) believe the scenario unlikely, while more than one in three (36%) consider it probable. 15% remain undecided.
European concerns over potential Russian aggression
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Russia could attack Europe as early as late 2024 or early 2025, Germany's Bild reported, citing intelligence sources. The concern arises from a predicted leadership vacuum in the United States following the 2024 Presidential election, potentially delaying American aid to European allies.
The civilian population in the West should prepare for a “total war” with Russia, NATO’s Military Committee chair, Admiral Rob Bauer, said.
Europe is once again “facing a military threat that has not been seen in 30 years,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said, as he warned of the possibility of a Russian attack within five to eight years.
The possibility that Russia could start a war against NATO next year is extremely low, Lithuania’s Commander-in-Chief, Valdemaras Rupšys, said at the same time.
Russia does not want a direct military conflict with the United States and NATO and will continue asymmetric activities, which will not precipitate a military conflict on a global scale, American intelligence reported in March.
Russia is preparing for a large-scale conflict with NATO and could attack at least part of the Alliance's territory as early as 2026, German intelligence has reported.
Read also: NATO underestimates Kremlin’s ability to adapt — Lithuanian DM
In the event of an attack by Russia, Estonia would be able to repel its attack and win the war, Estonian Defense Forces head, General Martin Herem, said on April 18.
NATO planners consider a direct Russian invasion of NATO member states unlikely in the near future, the Wall Street Journal wrote on April 30.
Russia has neither the intention nor the ability to attack any NATO country at the moment, NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mircea Geoană, said on May 10.
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