Berlin deploys fighter jets to Poland after Russian drone incursions.
Alright, so here’s the deal: Germany’s sending fighter jets to Poland. This comes after, you guessed it, those pesky Russian drones have been buzzing around where they shouldn’t. The buzz is that this is the right move. Forget strongly worded letters, when you’ve got critical infrastructure at risk, you send in the Eurofighters. It’s a pretty clear signal that NATO’s ready to defend its own, especially with these incursions becoming a regular thing. The sentiment is loud and clear: Russia needs to know there are consequences.
It’s understandable why people are getting frustrated.… Continue reading
Berlin is open to exploring the possibility of using frozen Russian state assets for Ukraine’s war reparations fund, as proposed by Brussels. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that while legally uncharted, Berlin aims to make these assets usable. The European Commission is seeking to unlock funds frozen in several EU member states to provide Ukraine with a loan. Germany is in close consultation with other EU members with the goal of reaching a fruitful outcome before Christmas.
Read More
During a state visit, King Charles and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized the strengthening of ties between the UK and Germany, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine and bolstering Europe against Russian aggression. The visit also highlighted the Kensington treaty, which aims to enhance cooperation on various fronts, including defense and trade. Amidst the formal events, both leaders expressed the importance of renewed friendship and working together to secure a free and peaceful Europe.
Read More
In response to a rise in hybrid threats, Germany has established a new federal police unit specializing in drone detection and neutralization. This unit, comprising over 130 officers, will be deployed nationwide and is authorized to detect, intercept, and potentially disable drones. The German government has allocated over €100 million for counter-drone technology, including sensors and jammers, with equipment sourced from both German and Israeli manufacturers. This initiative follows increased reports of suspicious drone activity near critical infrastructure and a recent expansion of police authority to address these threats.
Read More
On Tuesday, November 25, thousands of rounds of ammunition were stolen from a civilian delivery truck en route to a Bundeswehr barracks in Burg, Saxony-Anhalt. The ammunition, including live pistol rounds and training rounds for assault rifles, went missing after the driver made an unplanned overnight stop at a hotel. The German Defense Ministry has placed blame on the driver for the unsecured stop, violating the contract requiring secure cargo transport. Local police and the Bundeswehr are now investigating the theft, with suspicions leaning towards a targeted operation.
Read More
Mass protests in the central German town of Giessen against the new AfD youth group are a clear indication of the deep-seated anxieties surrounding the rise of far-right ideologies in Germany. It’s hard to ignore the symbolism here, with the AfD, a party known for its extremist leanings, attempting to rebrand its youth wing after a previous iteration was deemed too extreme, even for them. The new organization, “Generation Deutschland,” raises immediate red flags, as it mirrors the name of a far-right youth movement outlawed in France. This deliberate choice of name suggests a concerning desire to appeal to and potentially recruit from a demographic that might be receptive to such ideologies.… Continue reading
AP News has reported that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) established its new youth organization, Generation Germany, in Giessen, Germany, despite thousands of protesters converging on the city. The AfD’s convention was delayed due to road blockades and clashes between protesters and police, who deployed pepper spray and water cannons. The new youth organization aims to have closer oversight from the party and will be led by Jean-Pascal Hohm, a former member of the dissolved Young Alternative, which was deemed a right-wing extremist group. The AfD, now the largest opposition party, aims to capitalize on anti-establishment sentiment and is confident about its prospects in upcoming regional elections.
Read More
Germany has developed a classified 1,200-page wartime logistics plan, “Operation Plan Germany” or OPLAN DEU, detailing how NATO would transport up to 800,000 troops across German territory in the event of a Russian attack. This plan highlights key infrastructure, including ports, railways, and highways, that would serve as the alliance’s main arteries to the eastern front, reflecting a shift back to a Cold War-style posture. The plan also considers the potential for Russian sabotage and cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, underscoring the urgency of the situation, especially given warnings that Russia may be willing to strike within two to five years. The strategy aims to deter conflict by demonstrating to adversaries that any attack would be unsuccessful.
Read More
During a parliamentary debate, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that any peace agreement in Ukraine must have the explicit consent of both Ukraine and European countries to be considered legitimate. He emphasized that Europe is a sovereign player and should not be sidelined in negotiations. Merz stated that Germany will increase its financial support for Ukraine to €11.5 billion by 2026 and endorsed using frozen Russian assets to fund the country’s defense and reconstruction. The Chancellor underscored the importance of ensuring Russia does not achieve a successful outcome, highlighting the country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as needed.
Read More
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a shift in strategy, committing to provide Ukraine with long-range missile systems while refusing to disclose specifics due to strategic ambiguity aimed at Russia. This change in policy follows months of collaboration with Ukrainian officials and will focus on bolstering Ukrainian military capabilities, including potentially domestic production of the systems. In response to Russia’s targeting of Ukrainian infrastructure, Germany also pledged an additional €3 billion in military support for 2026, primarily for air defense. Furthermore, Merz noted ongoing daily coordination with the US on potential peace efforts, though the chancellor tempered expectations regarding immediate progress.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker