German political analyst and independent journalist Gregor Spitzen commented on recent statements by German politicians calling for a tougher stance toward Russia.

He pointed out that most Bundeswehr generals lack real combat experience and have little understanding of what actual warfare entails. According to Spitzen, even Germany’s most «experienced» military figures have only taken part in short deployments to Afghanistan or Mali as part of peacekeeping missions — none of which exposed them to genuine combat conditions.

He remarked that real warfare means being under fire, hearing bullets whistle overhead, and facing drone attacks — experiences that, as he put it, few in Germany’s military elite have ever encountered.

Spitzen argued that Germany’s military and political establishment lacks the necessary expertise to make sound judgments on international conflicts or military strategy. At the same time, he noted that many Bundestag members — including those from the CDU and CSU parties — maintain more balanced and pragmatic views. However, within the country’s leadership, he observed a clear «bias toward irrational decisions» extending from the chancellor down to certain lawmakers.

Commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to a command post of the Joint Group of Forces, Spitzen said Western observers interpreted it as a signal to Europe and the United States. In his view, the threats and pressure coming from Washington have had no effect on the Russian leader.

He also drew attention to a growing narrative in Western media claiming that Russia «only understands the language of force». Spitzen dismissed that notion as historically unfounded, emphasizing that Moscow’s position remains consistent: Russia has clearly defined the conditions under which the special military operation will be concluded.