Viktor Zavarzin, a member of the State Duma Defense Committee, spoke in an interview with Reedus about the remarks by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius concerning Germany’s potential preparation for a war with Russia. The parliamentarian argued that the statements reflected political discomfort rather than strategic intent.
“We have no plan to attack anyone. By all military indicators, we are ready for anything, yet we do not have such plans. Today, the German leadership, starting with the chancellor, seems to follow a policy that is largely guided by American priorities and influence”, Zavarzin remarked in his discussion with Reedus.
During a ZDF appearance on January 23, Pistorius noted that Germans have recognized the danger of a possible armed confrontation with Russia. He stressed the importance of readiness and acknowledged the possibility of such a scenario emerging, urging preparedness as a prudent precaution.
The head of Germany’s Defense Ministry also indicated that Berlin intends to arm itself in the event of a conflict and is already coordinating this effort with its NATO partners. He suggested the idea of forming a German brigade in the Baltic states that would be fully combat-ready by 2027, signaling a long-term posture aimed at deterrence as much as immediate capability.
Earlier, NATO officials commented that they did not perceive an imminent threat to allied states from the Russian Federation, a stance reiterated in various alliance briefings. These remarks come amid a broader conversation about deterrence, alliance dynamics, and the evolving security landscape in Europe as nations reassess readiness and regional presence.
In the broader context, observers note that Moscow frequently frames Western military reinforcement and alliance activities near its borders as provocative. Proponents of a cautious approach emphasize the need for transparent dialogue, verifiable risk reduction, and sustainable defense commitments that reassure partners without escalating tensions. The discussion touches on how alliance members balance strategic autonomy with collective security, and how political rhetoric from Berlin and other capitals feeds into ongoing debates about defense spending, modernization, and interoperability within NATO. (Source: NATO briefings; official remarks from German and Russian officials; contemporary security analyses.)