Strack-Zimmermann plans to mobilize 900,000 reservists.
The defense politician Strack-Zimmermann believes that Germany's military security is in great danger. She paints a scary picture of Russia as a war machine that not only poses a threat to Germany but the entire West. As a result, it's crucial to work on enhancing our defense capabilities.
The FDP's defense politician, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, is worried about potential attack plans by Russia against the West and urged the government to activate 900,000 reservists in Germany. In an interview with the Funke Media Group newspapers, she remarked that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is preparing his people for war and positioning them against the West."
Strack-Zimmermann advocated for the activation of the roughly 900,000 reservists stationed in Germany. However, the Bundeswehr has not recorded soldiers who have left active service for decades. If they could get back just half of these soldiers with their expertise as reservists, it would be a significant increase in our defense capabilities, she said.
She also requested that companies allow their reservists to take some time off to complete this task. This is an essential part of a major shift in focus. Regarding Russia, Strack-Zimmermann stated that the country now only produces weapons. They are producing textbooks that portray Germany as an aggressor, and primary school students are being trained in weapon usage - that's pretty shocking.
"The Russian attack on us has already begun," Strack-Zimmermann told the Funke newspapers. She referred to cyber attacks, spying, and the deliberate creation of refugee movements. "We must understand that the conflict in Ukraine directly affects us." If Putin succeeds, he will continue his raids, she said, emphasizing Georgia and Moldova. And if Putin thinks it's time, "he'll also attack the Baltic States."
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- In light of Russia's activities, Strack-Zimmermann highlighted the importance of having strong relations with both the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, as they are potentially vulnerable targets in a possible cyberwar or espionage situation.
- The German Armed Forces must also prepare for potential cyber attacks from Russia, as Strack-Zimmermann underscored during her interview, arguing that this form of warfare has already begun against Germany and other Western nations.
- When discussing the potential threats from Russia, Strack-Zimmermann pointed out that the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, is not only focusing on conventional warfare but is also investing in cyber capabilities and even spreading disinformation through the education system, teaching primary school students about weapon usage.
- The FDP's defense politician called upon German companies to give their reservists more flexibility, especially in the context of this heightened security situation, as the increased defense capabilities of the German armed forces might depend on the engagement of these skilled individuals.
