Germany is ramping up preparations for World War 3, unveiling plans to revitalize its network of bunkers as tensions with Russia escalate. 

The Interior Ministry announced Monday that it is compiling a comprehensive list of emergency shelters, including underground train stations, car parks, state buildings, and private properties, to ensure civilians have access to safe havens in the event of conflict.

A digital directory of these bunkers is in the works, with plans to integrate the information into a phone app for quick access during emergencies. Citizens will also be encouraged to retrofit basements and garages as personal shelters.

Currently, Germany has 579 operational bunkers, mostly relics of World War II and the Cold War, capable of sheltering 480,000 people—a fraction of its 83 million population. This is a significant reduction from the approximately 2,000 bunkers the country once maintained.

Revamping these facilities is a “big project” that will be accorded urgent status, according to a ministry spokesperson.

This initiative comes as concerns about Moscow’s intentions grow, particularly following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

In October, German intelligence warned that Russia could be capable of launching a direct attack on NATO by 2030, with Russian President Vladimir Putin recently suggesting the conflict in Ukraine has elements of a “global” war and refusing to rule out strikes on Western nations.

German authorities are also grappling with increased Russian espionage and sabotage activities. Interior Ministry officials confirmed that a June conference of senior leaders laid the groundwork for this civilian protection plan, now under active development by the Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance.

While no specific timeline for completion has been announced, the project reflects Germany’s heightened urgency in addressing potential threats from its eastern neighbor.

These developments signal a stark shift in Europe’s security landscape, with NATO members bracing for potential escalation as the proxy conflict in Ukraine grinds on.