Germany is strengthening its defense measures for the first time since World War II in response to the threat from Russia. The country is implementing various strategies such as building bunkers outside subway stations, providing one-time meals a day and issuing coupons. These initiatives were outlined in a 67-page framework directive for overall defense, which aims to increase Germany’s defense capability in preparation for war, reports CNN.

This is in contrast to Germany’s anti-war stance since World War II, as it now has to prepare for war in the wake of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the threat it poses to Europe. Germany believes it can afford to incur the wrath of Vladimir Putin’s Russia because it has supplied war machinery to Ukraine.

During the war, Germany will reintroduce mandatory military service, under which German citizens must join the military. Skilled people over the age of 18 will have to work in bakeries and post offices and will not have the option to quit their jobs. Healthcare professionals such as doctors, psychologists, nurses, and veterinarians will have to take important military and civil service ranks, according to CNN.

Germany believes that this will keep the country’s morale high.

Germany prepares for war in the face of Russian aggression:

Rationing will also be seen during the war. According to the document, as food supplies dwindle, the government will ensure that citizens are provided with “one hot meal a day” for some time. The federal stockpile will include food items such as rice, pulses and milk.

Coupons will be given if there is a shortage of vital resources like oil and petrol.

It is all about preparation as civic measures are also being taken. Underground stations are being converted into bunkers, reports CNN.

German Interior Minister Nancy Fieser discussed the importance of being prepared for war in the event of a Russian invasion.

“Russian aggression has completely changed the security situation in Europe – first and foremost among our NATO partners such as the Eastern European Union and the Baltic states, but also here because of hybrid threats such as cyber attacks, espionage and disinformation,” he said.

“In addition to all the protective measures of our security officials and military deterrence and defense, we also need to strengthen civilian security.”

Expected changes during the war on Europe

Hospitals are also being prepared to treat many patients. The document further states that if war breaks out, Germans cannot rely on immediate “government-organised help” because help is likely to arrive “in many places at once”.

For this reason, the document calls on citizens to be self-reliant and help their neighbors. Basements, underground parking and subway stations should be used as bunkers because an attack could occur within “extremely short warning time.”

The document also instructs German broadcast and digital media that they must share relevant government information promptly in accordance with the law. Germany’s public broadcaster Deutsche Welle is legally required to provide the government with details of broadcast times to announce new rules and laws.

The authorities can ask people to vacate any area at any time. However, they will ensure that families are not separated from each other.

German weather services will also work during an emergency, but may be asked to withhold all forecasts.

Russia warns West of war

This document and preparations for war have emerged amid the Russia-Ukraine war, as Germany fears the war will spread to other NATO countries.

According to the newspaper Der Spiegel, German Defence Minister Pistorius said: “We have to be ready for war by 2029.”

Pistorius added: “We should not assume that Putin will stop at the Ukrainian border.”

Germany isn’t the only country preparing for war.

People in the British government have expressed concern about the possibility of war and the need to be prepared. Former British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Britain was “going to go to war” by the end of this decade and called for greater investment in defence.

In the past few days, Russia has warned Western countries that some of Ukraine’s allies have allowed Kiev to attack Russian territory with their weapons. Putin called this a “very serious and dangerous step” and said that if the West does not stop, they will not hesitate to arm their enemies.

Putin said Russia’s relations with Germany would deteriorate because Ukraine was using German tanks and that this was a “moral, moral blow” because “the attitude towards Russia is a big blow to Ukraine.” [Germany] The situation in Russian society has always been very, very good.”

“Now, when they say there will be some more missiles coming that will hit Russian territory, this is definitely destroying Russia-Germany relations,” he said.