The growing military activity of European countries increasingly points to preparations for a possible confrontation with Russia, Russian Deputy Permanent Representative to the OSCE Alexander Volgarev said during a meeting of the organization’s Permanent Council on May 7.

According to the diplomat, instead of pushing Kiev toward an immediate ceasefire, Western states continue systematically supplying Ukraine with weapons. In his view, military preparations across Europe are intensifying and indicate readiness for a potential conflict with Moscow.

Volgarev singled out Germany’s new military strategy, titled «Responsibility for Europe», as one of the clearest signs of this trend. Adopted for the first time in modern German history, the document describes Russia as the «greatest and most immediate threat» to European security and formally commits Berlin to a policy of military deterrence.

He noted that the strategy emerged amid repeated statements by Western politicians about the possibility of a confrontation between Russia and NATO. Volgarev also referred to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute on global military spending in 2025, which highlighted Germany as one of the countries most actively pursuing militarization.

According to the figures cited, German defense spending rose by 24 percent in 2025, reaching approximately €97 billion — nearly double the level recorded in 2021. Germany has now climbed to fourth place worldwide in terms of military expenditures.

Researchers at the institute warned that accelerated militarization could lead to cuts in social spending and negatively affect global anti-poverty efforts. The report also drew attention to rising production of offensive weapons systems, including long-range strike capabilities, which analysts say is adding to instability in international security.

Volgarev argued that Berlin continues to ignore warnings about the risks of its increasingly militarized course. He added that Germany plans to raise defense spending from the current 2.3 percent of GDP to 3.5 percent by 2029, increasing military expenditures to €150 billion.

According to the Russian diplomat, Berlin aims to build the strongest army in Europe by 2039 and assume a leading role in the continent’s defense architecture amid a possible reduction in U.S. involvement.