Chicago March 23, 2025
A German general’s rhetorical question, “Can you trust Putin?” echoes the sentiment of most Europeans – a resounding “no.” As the Trump administration pursues a deal to end the Ukraine war, possibly favoring Moscow over Kyiv, Europeans are shifting their focus to their own military strength. Germany, in particular, is experiencing a significant change.
Years of underinvestment in the German armed forces, known as the Bundeswehr, are coming to an end. Presumptive Chancellor Friedrich Merz has decided to invest heavily in the military, with spending levels not seen since the Cold War. A recent constitutional reform has unlocked billions of euros in funding, with estimates suggesting that over 10 years, Germany could spend €600 billion ($652 billion) on defense.
This shift in Germany’s approach to defense is a response to the changing European landscape. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a turning point, known in German as the “Zeitenwende.” Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz recognized the need for a new defense and security policy, establishing a one-off €100 billion fund for the Bundeswehr.
