2024-04-19 10:25:34
Defense Minister Pistorius visited the Operational Communication Center in Mayen. He pointed out disinformation from Russia. Large balloons also played a role in his visit.
According to Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Germany must become more resilient to disinformation from Russia. “We must not fall for Putin in this area either, but we must be prepared,” said the SPD politician in Mayen, Rhineland-Palatinate.
Disinformation campaigns must be identified early and publicly exposed. “In short: we have to become resilient, across the state and across society.”
Russian influence
Russia is trying to divide Western states and societies. “In Germany, political decisions should be influenced in Russia’s interests,” said Pistorius. “But Putin also wants, and this is his constant motivation, to drive a wedge between us and our allies and divide the free Western societies.” For example, support for Ukraine should be weakened or distrust of NATO should be sowed.
Pistorius visited the Bundeswehr’s Operational Communication Center in Mayen, Rhineland-Palatinate. In addition to a conversation with soldiers, he was also shown various possible operational capabilities of the forces. Among other things, he was presented with large balloons that can be used to drop leaflets.
This is a unique capability in NATO, said the department’s commander, Colonel Ferdi Akaltin. “If they fly a drone or a plane and they drop leaflets, is that what? An act of war at the moment when they have to fly over enemy territory,” he explained. “A balloon, we’ve known since Nena at least, is not an act of war.”