Germany’s military leadership has assessed the security situation with regard to Russia as remaining unchanged as preparations for the major exercise “Quadriga 2025” begin
Speaking in Berlin, General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, stated that Russia is closely observing developments “Putin is looking at us” he said, adding that Moscow’s intentions extend beyond Ukraine and that armed forces must prepare accordingly Deterrence remains the preferred outcome and “exactly that is what we are demonstrating – our capabilities as an alliance and as the Bundeswehr, both internally and externally
Breuer highlighted the timing of Quadriga 2025, which will coincide with the commencement of the Russian exercise “Zapad” in approximately two weeks, primarily taking place in Belarus directly bordering Lithuania and NATO territory He noted Moscow’s tendency to utilize “Zapad” to create uncertainty and subsequently accuse others of escalation, cautioning against falling for such tactics
The “Quadriga 2025” exercise series will involve the Bundeswehr alongside armed forces from 13 other nations, practicing the defense of the Baltic Sea region under the conditions of crisis and conflict Approximately 8,000 German soldiers from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Cyber and Information Space and Support areas, will participate in multiple large-scale exercises across Germany, Lithuania, Finland and the Baltic Sea until September 2025
A key component of the exercise series is the naval maneuver “Northern Coasts” which will include the Baltic Sea states of Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as France, Great Britain, the USA, Belgium, the Netherlands and Canada