Russia-Ukraine war changes Germany’s strategic culture, Bundeswehr general says
Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine has led to a shift in Germany’s security policy priorities and the introduction of the concept of “integrated security,” which envisages the involvement of the entire society in the defense of the state.
This was stated in an interview with Ukrinform by the President of the Federal Academy for Security Policy (BAKS), Bundeswehr Major General Wolf-Jürgen Stahl.
“I am convinced that this war has changed the priorities of security policy in Germany. A vivid example is that, for the first time, a decision was made to supply weapons to an active war zone – Ukraine. This can be considered a concrete manifestation of a change in strategic culture,” Stahl noted.
He also pointed out that in 2023, Germany formulated its National Security Strategy in writing for the first time in history, introducing the concept of “integrated security.”
“This means that security should be understood comprehensively, and it must be ensured at the level of the entire state and the whole society. It is not only about the military dimension, but also about the economy, development, domestic and foreign security, as well as economic, digital, and even spiritual dimensions,” he explained.
Stahl added that Germany now views security within the continuum of “peace – crisis – war.”
“Relevant measures must be prepared already in peacetime in order to withstand a crisis and be ready for war,” he said.
The Bundeswehr Major General also highly praised the ability of Ukrainian society to resist Russian aggression.
“It is impressive with what determination Ukraine is able to sustain the resistance of its society. The fact that the Ukrainian people have endured this aggressive attack for more than four years – an attack that violates international law and disregards human dignity – deserves the highest respect,” he stressed.
The BAKS President emphasized that Ukraine is defending not only itself, but also the security of Europe.
“And it is important to emphasize: by doing so, Ukraine is also fighting for our security,” he concluded.
As reported by Ukrinform, last summer German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the creation of a new body – Germany’s National Security Council – aimed at simplifying high-level consultations on defense and security issues.
Photo: BAKS/Stollberg та M. Hurek für FOCUS