Germany Minister Pistorius speaks of Moscow’s continued provocations and announces the 2026 defence budget, strengthening German military spending
After two Germany Eurofighters intercepted a Russian fighter jet over the Baltic Sea last Sunday, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius today denounced a new overflight by a Russian military aircraft over a German Navy frigate in the same area, comparing it to recent incidents in Poland and Estonia.
During a speech to the Bundestag, the Social Democrat explained that Russia is constantly testing the limits of its actions, including against NATO member states. ‘Putin wants to provoke us, he wants to provoke NATO member states, and he intends to identify, denounce and exploit the alleged weaknesses of the alliance,’ Pistorius said, calling this strategy a mistake by the Russian leader.
‘The Alliance has responded to Russian provocations with clear unity and determination, but also with the necessary common sense, which is essential in these times,’ the minister added.
The Bundestag discussed the 2026 defence budget at first reading, which provides for expenditure of €82.69 billion ($97.17 billion), plus an additional €25.51 billion from the special fund for the modernisation of the Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). For 2025, the ministry has €62.43 billion in the regular budget and €24.06 billion from the same special fund.
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