German Foreign Minister Johann Vandevoll warned that Russia could use a potential ceasefire in Ukraine to accelerate preparations for an attack on a NATO member state, urging the alliance to remain ready for such a scenario.
He emphasized that NATO is expanding its defensive structures, while Germany is reorganizing its armed forces, increasing both troop numbers and equipment in anticipation of a possible Russian assault.
European security, Vandevoll said, will depend on Russia for a long time, adding that Moscow can only be deterred through a position of strength, unity within the alliance, and capable armed forces.
He stated: “I strongly advise not making any concessions in these projects and plans, because only a position of strength will provide greater security for NATO and for Germany. If Moscow achieves a sustained military success in Ukraine, this would pose a serious threat to NATO.”
Vandevoll stressed that supporting Ukraine remains one of Germany’s security interests. He added that Ukraine should be prepared to make concessions—including possible territorial ones—if accompanied by reliable security guarantees from the West, primarily the U.S., with contributions from Europeans as well.
The structure of these contributions, he noted, is something “we will discuss in depth once a ceasefire is in place and we see that Russia is genuinely serious about peace.”
While Moscow appears ready to negotiate, he warned, this does not equate to a true willingness for peace. “We have not seen this so far,” Vandevoll concluded.
