Germany’s Defense Minister Pistorius - "Don't Fall for Putin's Bait"

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Marcus Brandt/dpa

According to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD party), it is crucial to reduce Germany’s vulnerability to disinformation, particularly from Russia. As reported by the German television broadcaster “ZDF”, Pistorius called on everyone not to “fall for Putin’s bait,” but instead to be prepared for such attacks. Pistorius stressed that it was necessary to arm oneself “as a whole state and society” against these threats and to become more resilient.

Pistorius warns urgently against Putin’s influence

The Minister warned, according to ZDF, that Russia was trying to divide Western nations and societies. He expressed the fear that Russia intended to influence political decisions in Germany in favor of its own interests. He also suspected that President Putin was aiming to undermine support for Ukraine and sow distrust of NATO.

In this context, Pistorius pointed out that Germany also needed to become “war-ready” in the area of disinformation. He argued that it was crucial to prepare for and recognize disinformation and hybrid warfare. “We can only defend ourselves, or society, against what is recognized, what is recognized as a threat, and what is recognized as false, as disinformation,” ZDF quotes the Defense Minister.

Balloons used for leaflet drops

Pistorius also visited the Bundeswehr Operational Communication Center in Mayen, Rhineland-Palatinate. Here, he was shown various potential capabilities of the armed forces. Among the demonstrated abilities were large balloons that can be used for leaflet drops. Colonel Ferdi Akaltin, the commander of the unit, emphasized to ZDF that this was a unique capability within NATO.