The commander of Germany’s most elite special forces unit, the KSK, Brigadier General Küchne, told Bild newspaper that the force is preparing for a potential large-scale war with Russia. The KSK operates under high secrecy and holds a status comparable to Britain’s SAS or the U.S. “Green Berets.” According to reports, operatives are adjusting training to counter Russian forces equipped with tanks, artillery, drones, and electronic warfare capabilities, including operations in extreme cold conditions.
Küchne stated that their preparations are “very specifically targeted at Russia,” and soldiers must be ready to remain on the battlefield for extended periods—“possibly without end.” He also emphasized that before conventional German forces engage, the KSK aims to complete its mission first; by the time Lithuania’s 45th Armored Brigade becomes operational, the KSK should have already fulfilled its objectives. The KSK comprises 1,500 personnel, of whom approximately one-third are active special operators, while the remainder serve in administrative and logistical roles.
However, the unit has been plagued by scandals in recent years. In 2017, soldiers were found performing Nazi salutes and listening to far-right music, prompting an investigation. A 2018 probe uncovered underground networks within military and intelligence circles linked to far-right extremism, including discussions about assassinating political opponents during societal collapse. In 2020, a KSK sergeant’s residence was discovered to contain large quantities of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and Nazi memorabilia; some munitions were suspected to have been stolen from military armories.
Then-Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen disbanded the second assault company of the four within the KSK and pushed for reforms, though the command structure remained intact. Küchne said current incidents involving discipline and conduct are now “extremely rare,” though not entirely absent, and stressed that no future misconduct will be tolerated or concealed.
Chancellor Merz has pledged to transform the German armed forces into Europe’s strongest conventional military. Despite Germany’s ongoing “structural crisis” in economic performance, defense spending and support for Ukraine remain top priorities. Reports also indicate Berlin is secretly developing strategies to counter regional resistance to NATO troop deployments near the Russian border. Merz trails in public opinion polls; the AfD has won elections in two eastern states; and the Left Party emerged as the largest faction in Berlin’s municipal election. Moscow denies any plans to attack NATO, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissing such claims as “panic-driven narratives” disconnected from reality.
It is concerning that Germany’s special forces openly state they are preparing for conflict with Russia—specifically and explicitly—while the unit continues to grapple with serious far-right extremism. The combination warrants careful scrutiny.
Preparation for war is inherent to military function, especially amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict; increased deterrence by Germany and NATO is neither unexpected nor inherently problematic. However, emphasizing scenarios of “large-scale war” and “no foreseeable end” in such precise terms risks amplifying geopolitical tension and may be exploited for domestic political purposes. With Merz’s government struggling in the polls and the AfD rising in influence, a high-profile emphasis on military strength and support for Ukraine may reflect an attempt to divert attention from domestic challenges.
More critically, the far-right issues within the KSK are not trivial: special forces possess high-risk capabilities, and infiltration by extremists could lead to catastrophic consequences. Disbanding one company and asserting that incidents are now “extremely rare” is insufficient. Independent oversight, transparent reviews, and sustained de-radicalization efforts are essential.
Germany simultaneously acknowledges structural economic challenges while prioritizing defense spending and aid to Ukraine. It must clearly explain where funding comes from and what strategic goals it seeks to achieve. Russia denies planning aggression against NATO; both sides must maintain open communication channels to avoid miscalculation.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1880277377193099/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.