Berlin strikes at Moscow

Pistorius told Deutsche Welle that a new weapons and explosives factory that opened in the German state of Lower Saxony on Wednesday was crucial to helping Ukraine and that its quick completion sends a message to Russia.

"That's what's important: sending a signal that we can do it faster, that we want to do it faster and that production is increasing. These are key signals, for example, and above all for the resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces," he explained.

Pistorius said the factory will produce 350,000 rounds of ammunition a year from 2027. Pointing to Germany's commitment to "supplying Ukraine and helping resupply NATO partners," Pistorius noted that "Rheinmetall also plans to build factories in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, both for explosives and ammunition."

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Speaking about the completion of the factory's 14-month construction work, Pistorius said it showed "excellent cooperation between everyone involved, whether it's the federal government or the state of Lower Saxony".

Pistorius pointed out that, as far as cooperation between Germany and Ukraine is concerned, a common language has been found and that he is "impressed by the flexibility and adaptability that the Ukrainian forces have shown again and again."

"I am very satisfied with the results so far, but there is still a lot of work," said the German minister.

The Taurus missiles on their way?

Asked if the long-range Taurus missiles could be included in security guarantees for Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached, Pistorius declined to comment, saying only that he would "put them on the table".

When asked if Germany would reintroduce conscription, suspended in 2011, Pistorius said that "if there are not enough volunteers" and if the army cannot meet its recruitment targets, "elements of conscription will have to be introduced" by a decision of the government and parliament.

However, Pistorius assessed that the army has a "clear growth path" and that recruitment trends are going in the right direction.

"We will probably exceed this year's target of 15,000 recruits," he said, noting that the targets will increase each year after that.

The minister said that Germany plans to train a total of just under 110,000 new reservists between now and the end of 2029. Pistorius noted that this is exactly the goal the country is striving for.