With regard to the German Ministry of Defense's assessment that Russian aggression against Germany and its European partners is possible, Dr. Weber described the wording as somewhat exaggerated, as he currently sees no strategy on Russia's part to attack Europe as a whole. At the same time, he emphasized that the neglected defense structures of many European countries offered targets for attack and that serious preparation for possible Russian attacks was therefore necessary—especially in Germany, where additional funds were being mobilized for arms investments, but whose effects would only be felt in two to three years with the delivery of new (air) weapon systems.
Weber expressed understanding for the controversial statement by the French Chief of Staff that one must be prepared to “lose one's children,” although he understood the public outrage. A credible defense also requires a willingness to defend. If a potential attacker recognizes that a country is prepared to defend itself, even at the cost of human lives if necessary, the deterrent effect increases and the likelihood of an attack decreases.