Germany has issued one of its strongest warnings yet about the growing security confrontation with Russia. The head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service says Berlin could become involved in a violent conflict as Moscow allegedly intensifies a campaign of covert and hybrid operations across Europe.
Martin Jaeger, head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service, known as the BND, told lawmakers that the confrontation with Russia had entered a more dangerous phase. He said the threat of attacks against targets in Germany remains real and imminent.
Germany Says Russia Is Waging a Shadow War
Jaeger accused Russia of conducting what he described as a “shadow war” involving increasingly aggressive intelligence operations and other forms of hybrid activity.
German authorities have previously accused Moscow of involvement in drone and cyber incidents. Berlin has also linked Russia to an attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport in August.
Russia has rejected accusations from Western governments and intelligence agencies that it is conducting such attacks.
No Sign of a Large-Scale NATO Attack
Despite the seriousness of the warning, Germany’s intelligence chief did not say that a major Russian attack on NATO territory was imminent.
Jaeger said there was currently no indication of an imminent large-scale Russian military attack against NATO territory. However, he warned that Russia could potentially pursue lower-intensity military activities, particularly in the Baltic region.
Why Germany Is Becoming a Major Focus
Germany has become one of Europe’s most important supporters of Ukraine and a major part of the continent’s wider security strategy.
Berlin has continued providing support to Ukraine while strengthening its own military capabilities and working closely with NATO allies. German officials believe this makes the country an increasingly important target for Russian pressure.
Jaeger said Moscow was closely watching how Germany and other European countries respond to the confrontation. He warned that signs of hesitation could encourage further pressure.
Germany Wants Stronger Intelligence Powers
The BND chief also argued that Germany’s intelligence services need additional powers and capabilities to respond to the changing threat environment.
A government proposal is expected to strengthen the BND’s ability to detect and counter foreign intelligence operations. German officials say stronger intelligence capabilities are becoming increasingly important as cyberattacks, sabotage and covert operations become harder to separate from traditional military threats.
Europe Faces a Wider Security Challenge
The warning comes as several European countries report concerns about Russian drones, cyber operations, sabotage attempts and airspace violations.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has also warned that Russia is putting lives at risk across Europe through what she described as a rise in hybrid attacks and sabotage attempts.
The developments are increasing pressure on European governments to strengthen critical infrastructure, intelligence cooperation and military preparedness.
What Happens Next?
Germany is not currently at war with Russia, and the BND has not predicted an immediate major military confrontation. However, Berlin’s latest warning shows how seriously German officials view the changing relationship with Moscow.
The biggest concern is that repeated cyber incidents, sabotage, drone activity or other forms of confrontation could gradually increase tensions and create a situation that becomes harder to control.
For Europe, the challenge will be to strengthen its security without allowing individual incidents to trigger a much wider confrontation between Russia and NATO.
Journalist: Vijay Singh