Germany's schools brace for looming threat from Russia
According to Roderich Kiesewetter, a German politician from the CSU, conducting crisis training in schools and building resilience is a responsible and forward-thinking approach. In an interview with Handelsblatt, Kiesewetter stated that teachers in German schools should prepare students for the possibility of an upcoming war. He believes that Russia may attack NATO countries within one or two years.
The CDU deputy, whose party will take power in Germany, emphasized in the interview with Handelsblatt that proper preparation is "absolutely necessary" for school students, describing them as "particularly vulnerable and particularly affected in crisis situations." Some argue that Germany is less prepared for a possible war than the Nordic countries.
Kiesewetter noted that Germany is "significantly less resilient" because it has "backward" crisis readiness structures compared to countries like Denmark, Sweden, or Finland. Finland, in particular, has been preparing its citizens for the possibility of war with Vladimir Putin's Russia for several years.
Germany prepares for war with Russia
The German government also encourages citizens to follow EU recommendations, which suggest preparing a survival kit with bottled water, long-lasting food, a can opener, medicine, a flashlight, essential documents, cash, a phone charger, and a map. Similar advisories have recently appeared in the United Kingdom.
Carsten Breuer, the inspector general of the German army, presented a concerning forecast regarding a potential Russian attack on NATO territory. During a recent security conference in Berlin, he said, "According to our analyses, Russia will be able to attack NATO territory in four to seven years." However, Roderich Kiesewetter believes that there is even less time.
"Russia is already attacking us and is more likely to attack NATO territory using conventional and military forces within 1-2 years if we do not deploy sufficient deterrent forces and means," wrote the CDU politician on X.
Trump's tariffs. Russia feels increasingly confident
German concerns are partly related to Donald Trump's policies, as he imposed tariffs on many countries worldwide, including China, Southeast Asian countries, and EU states. Trump also believes he has a good relationship with Vladimir Putin and treats him as an equal partner in discussions.
This raises concerns in Europe because it suggests that the Kremlin might expect concessions from the White House regarding constructing a post-war order and security on the continent. Russians have observed that they can pursue their imperial ambitions without necessarily facing consequences for their aggressive policies.
