German of the day: Bunker

That means bunker.

Germany plans to revamp shelter system in case of Russian attack as fears of a major war rise – Fearing Russia could attack another European country within the next four years, Germany is planning to expand its network of bomb-proof bunkers and shelters, according to reports.

“For a long time, there was a widespread belief in Germany that war was not a scenario for which we needed to prepare,” Ralph Tiesler, the head of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, said in a recent interview as reported by The Guardian.

“That has changed,” Tiesler said. “We are concerned about the risk of a major war of aggression in Europe.”

“I love my scars.”

“It reminds me where I came from.”

Berlin still bears scars 80 years after pivotal battle that sealed the defeat of Nazi Germany – Central Berlin was in ruins after the Red Army completed the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in an intense fight for the capital in May 1945.

After decades of division and its revival as the capital of a reunited, democratic Germany, the city is now transformed, blending painstakingly restored buildings with modern architecture. But the scars of the past remain visible in many places: facades riddled with holes from bullets and shrapnel, or gaps in rows of houses sometimes plugged by new buildings.

Keep on fighting with what?

And with whom?

Ukraine will be able to keep fighting, say Britain and Germany – Germany and Britain sent a message to Russia on Friday that Ukraine will be able to keep up its fight thanks to Western support, even as the U.S. pushed ahead with talks with Moscow.

The European powers for the first time co-led a meeting of the so-called Ramstein group of some 50 countries that give military support to Ukraine after Washington gave up the chair, and said they could not detect any signs that Vladimir Putin was ready for peace.

As they met, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff flew into Russia for what looked likely to be talks with the Russian president.

German war machine now ready for war

Or for wear.

Or at least the German navy is.

Wow. That didn’t take very long.

German Navy sailors receive brand new uniform – With the new development of the shipboard combat suit, which began in 2023, the German Navy (Deutsche Marine) is presenting a new uniform for its seafaring personnel for the first time. The sailors will be equipped with it from the end of the year.

German of the day: Begrenzte Waffenruhe

That means limited ceasefire.

Trump and Putin agree on limited ceasefire – further negotiations from Sunday in Jeddah.

Russia has agreed to cease attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine for 30 days. This was announced by the Kremlin following a telephone conversation between Russian head of state Putin and US President Trump. According to the US, negotiations on an end to the Russian war of aggression are to continue in Saudi Arabia at the end of the week.

“I have already spoken to the future US president at length on the phone…”

“And we are also in direct contact with his advisers on security policy.”

Germany aims to align with Trump?” Has anybody told the Germans yet?

Germany aims to align with Trump to end ‘merciless’ Ukraine war – Chancellor Olaf Scholz ruled out supplying Kyiv with long-range missiles but stressed the country’s sovereignty should be guaranteed.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expects he’ll find alignment with president-elect Donald Trump on how to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, playing down concerns a shift in US leadership risks splitting Kyiv’s biggest backers.

The war must almost be over…

If Germans are finally beginning to prepare for it.

‘Would you survive 72 hours?’ Germany and the Nordic countries prepare citizens for possible war – Apps and booklets are offering advice on how to build a bunker, stockpile food and live without electricity in case the worst happens

Germany is developing an app to help people locate the nearest bunker in the event of attack. Sweden is distributing a 32-page pamphlet titled If Crisis or War Comes. Half a million Finns have already downloaded an emergency preparedness guide.