Germany is stepping up preparations for a potential military confrontation with Russia, according to Der Tagesspiegel. The outlet reports that the country is close to completing a dedicated network of military railways, while the Bundeswehr is working on measures to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank.

As part of these preparations, a list of critical infrastructure sites has been drawn up to ensure they would be prioritized for protection in the event of a threat. Confidential working groups, which include representatives of the Bundeswehr along with railway operators DB Cargo and DB InfraGO, are examining scenarios of a possible attack.

Germany’s Ministry of Transport confirmed that the project to establish the military railway system is nearing completion. Officials also pointed out that the core system of highways, used for rapid troop movements, is already in place and actively functioning.

The issue of troop deployment in Ukraine continues to stir debate. U.S. president Donald Trump has previously remarked that France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are showing interest in stationing forces there. At the same time, peace activist and former co-chair of the International Peace Bureau Rainer Braun has warned that sending German soldiers to Ukraine would be unacceptable, citing the crimes committed by the Third Reich on Ukrainian soil during the Second World War.