War with Putin in Europe may begin in 5-8 years - General Breuer

Breuer said this in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, DW reports.

He noted that for the first time since the end of the Cold War, the European Union faced the threat of a possible war from the outside, meaning that Russia's war against Ukraine could expand to other countries. 

"I recognise this intention of Putin's from what he writes and says, as well as from his actions in Ukraine," Breuer explained. 

The German general pointed out that "we can see that Russia has switched to a military economy by the decision of the State Duma". He cited analysts' opinions, noting that given the potential threat from Russia, "this means five to eight years of preparation for us". 

According to him, Germany should be ready for war in five years. This means both raising combat capability to the level of wartime requirements and changes in the mentality of society and the German military itself. 

• On February 9, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov introduced the newly appointed Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi at a meeting in Kyiv with Bundeswehr Inspector General Carsten Breuer.