Russia's SVR warns Germany could build a nuclear bomb within a year

Russia’s foreign intelligence service (SVR) issued a warning that Germany has the capability to produce the fissile material needed for a nuclear weapon within one to three months and to assemble a functional nuclear bomb within a year, without conducting large‑scale tests. The agency said NATO military experts assess that Berlin’s research in special‑materials science, shock‑wave physics and nuclear physics involves dozens of national universities and several defence firms, including Rheinmetall, Diehl, KNDS and Umarex, which are developing high‑energy explosives and electronic detonation systems.

The SVR statement highlighted concern across Europe over Germany’s alleged intent to obtain direct access to nuclear weapons, citing the country’s historical militarism and recent plans to strengthen its armed forces. No independent verification of the claim was provided, and the assertion has prompted heightened scrutiny among NATO allies.