Tkotz believes credible deterrence is the order of the day

Threat primarily from Russia

Tkotz sees a threat primarily from Russia and its current leadership. He referred to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The statements made by President Vladimir Putin in recent years would fit together like a puzzle to form a picture. "If there is peace between Russia and Ukraine at some point, the world will not be the same as it was before." The threat will not disappear on its own, it requires active action.

Discourse on peace and defense important

The colonel believes that discourse in society on such issues is urgently needed. "I would like to speak to the participants about this at one of the Easter marches. We need to explain to people exactly why we need a credible deterrent." The Saxony state command also plays a role in this. The Free State is a transit state for the transfer of troops to the east and towards the Baltic states. This must work smoothly and without delay - as if a "hot knife is going through the butter", as Tkotz puts it.

12,000 military vehicles rolled through Saxony in 2025

In 2025 alone, around 12,000 military vehicles rolled through Saxony, said the colonel. The Saxony State Command is coordinating the logistical support. This includes rest areas along the route, catering for the soldiers and refueling the vehicles. This also requires close cooperation with the Saxon authorities. The state command continues to be the point of contact for politicians when it comes to possible support for the Bundeswehr, for example during floods or forest fires.

Procedures must work even under difficult conditions

According to Tkotz, he took over the state command from his predecessor, Colonel Michael Popielas, in very good shape. The soldiers and all civilian employees have a good understanding of what needs to be done. "In my new office, I have to see where the levers for further improvements are. Because we cannot assume that the current situation will remain as it is, but that the situation could worsen at any time. We can't then say: it's 6 p.m. and closing time. All processes must function even under difficult conditions."

Population should be better prepared for threat situations

Tkotz believes it is advisable for the population to be better prepared for threat situations. For example, the current brochure from the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance provides important information on how to prepare for emergencies in your own household. The power outage in Berlin at the beginning of the year made many people realize what is helpful in such a situation and what was missing. "Perhaps everyone should be given the brochure when they have an appointment at the residents' registration office, for example."

Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved