Germany is preparing for the possibility of a Russian attack on NATO within the next two to three years, a senior military official said, as security concerns continue to mount across Europe.

Lieutenant General Gerald Funke, head of the German armed forces’ logistics command, told The Times that he is preparing German forces for what he described as a full-scale war of aggression by Russia, adding that thousands of troops have been mobilised in anticipation of worst-case scenarios over the next 24 to 36 months.

Funke said preparations include strengthening logistics and military support capabilities as part of broader efforts to raise overall defence readiness.

European countries have stepped up military preparations across the continent following years of political and economic upheaval, with some experts warning that the United Kingdom and other European states may be insufficiently prepared for a major military escalation.