The Inspector General of the German Armed Forces, Carsten Breuer, warned that the Russian Federation might attack NATO within the next five years due to significant military build-up including an annual increase of 1,000 to 1,500 tanks. He highlighted that the five largest European NATO member states collectively hold only half the number of tanks that Russia is adding yearly. Experts disagree on the timing of a potential attack, estimating anywhere from 2 to 8 years. Breuer criticized Europe for insufficient defense preparedness and overreliance on U.S. defense support amid uncertainties around future American presidential elections.

The Inspector General of the German Armed Forces, Carsten Breuer, warned that the Russian Federation might attack NATO within the next five years due to significant military build-up including an annual increase of 1,000 to 1,500 tanks. He highlighted that the five largest European NATO member states collectively hold only half the number of tanks that Russia is adding yearly. Experts disagree on the timing of a potential attack, estimating anywhere from 2 to 8 years. Breuer criticized Europe for insufficient defense preparedness and overreliance on U.S. defense support amid uncertainties around future American presidential elections.