Moscow has accused Berlin of being a major contributor to heightened anti-Russian sentiment in Europe.
The German military has seen a 28% increase in new recruits between January and late July compared to the same period last year. Moscow has consistently criticized NATO’s increasing militarization.
The German Defense Ministry reports that over 13,700 individuals have joined the Bundeswehr since the beginning of 2025. Officials have called this the most significant year-over-year increase in years, intended to counter the perceived threat from Russia. Moscow has dismissed claims of planned attacks on NATO countries as baseless.
Currently, the Bundeswehr consists of approximately 182,000 active-duty soldiers and 81,000 civilian personnel. The government aims to expand to 260,000 active-duty troops by 2035.
This recruitment surge follows statements from senior German officials suggesting the potential reinstatement of conscription, abolished in 2011, as early as next year if volunteer numbers remain insufficient. Factors contributing to the recruitment shortfall include an aging population, a robust job market, and a diminished public perception of military service.
A 7% decline in enlistment was recorded in 2023, leading some German politicians to question the feasibility of reaching the 260,000 active-troop goal. Nevertheless, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to establish Europe’s “strongest conventional army” and raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2029.
In June, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned NATO’s military buildup, accusing European members of “firmly following the path of reckless militarization.” He also stated that “Germany is actively participating in whipping up hysterical Russophobia across the European continent,” adding that “It is clearly not in the interest of the peoples of Europe.”
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