New Delhi: Germany is mulling over the possibility of bringing back compulsory military service for all 18-year-olds due to mounting geopolitical pressures from an increasingly assertive Russia, according to leaked military documents. These discussions, said to be in the final stages within the German defense ministry, come at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin has escalated his militaristic rhetoric, emphasizing the full combat readiness of Russia's nuclear forces.

According to reports, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, during a recent visit to the United States, expressed his belief that Germany needs to reintroduce some form of military conscription, which was discontinued in 2011. Pistorius criticized the decision to end compulsory service as a "mistake," citing the current heightened threat landscape as a reason to reinstate mandatory military enrollment for young Germans.

Several proposals are being considered, ranging in scope and inclusivity. The primary plan would require a year of military service for all 18-year-old men, aligning with past practices. A broader second proposal aims to include women in the conscription process, which would necessitate amending the German constitution—a move insiders believe would likely gain public support given the current security concerns.

Alternatively, a third option suggests a selective process where only certain individuals would be conscripted. In this scenario, eligible young men would fill out an online form, and selections for service would be made from this pool, allowing for a more targeted approach to building military capacity.

These developments coincide with Putin's aggressive stance, highlighted in a recent speech in Moscow's Red Square where he confirmed the readiness of his nuclear forces and criticized Western nations for their geopolitical strategies. This speech has significantly heightened tensions, raising the possibility of broader conflict.

In Germany, these military discussions align with domestic policy decisions aimed at supporting the Ukrainian community. Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently reassured that Ukrainians with jobs and residence permits in Germany can stay, despite Ukraine’s efforts to conscript its nationals abroad to strengthen its defense against Russian aggression.

The reintroduction of conscription in Germany, if approved, would mark a significant shift in NATO's preparedness and Europe's security strategy, reflecting broader concerns about Russian intentions and regional peace.

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