BND Chairman Jaeger: Germany is in danger of violent conflict with Russia

Martin Jaeger, Chairman of the German Foreign Intelligence Service (BND), gave information at this morning's session of the Parliamentary Oversight Board (PKGr), which oversees the activities of the intelligence agencies of the German Bundestag.

BND President Martin Jaeger stated that there is a danger of a violent conflict between Germany and Russia and said, "The conflict we face with Russia has gained a new and more dangerous dimension. No other country currently poses such a direct, comprehensive and concrete threat to Germany. Germany is in danger of being dragged into a violent conflict with Russia."

Regarding the attempted attack with an explosive-laden unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) against Leipzig Airport in August, Jaeger said, "This incident was an example of the level of threat. It was an example of how Russian intelligence services acted with a high degree of professionalism and ruthlessness. The danger of further attacks in Germany has by no means ended. The threat of attacks against targets in Germany continues to be real and present. We must face it." BND President said, "The threat extends far beyond individual attack plans. Russia aims to establish political influence in Europe and prevent decisions against Moscow from being taken. Germany has become a major obstacle to Russia's hegemonic show of power in Europe. They want to ensure that no political decisions against Moscow are taken in Berlin and other European capitals in the future."

PUTIN IS UNDER PRESSURE

BND Chairman said, "President Putin has already passed the point where he can stop reducing the pressure on Ukraine without endangering his own domestic power base. From Russia's point of view, he had to show a success in Ukraine that would justify the great sacrifices made so far. This puts it under great pressure, but this does not mean indecision in Moscow. Russia is aware of the limitations of its military and economic resources. It compensates for its own weaknesses through internal pressure, by constantly focusing resources on war, and most importantly - by taking determination and risks. Russia is material, money "And Russia values willpower and willingness to sacrifice more than human life, assuming that ultimately we cannot withstand Russian pressure and intimidation tactics."

"WE ARE NOT IN CONFLICT AND STILL WE ARE ATTACKED"

BND President Jaeger said, "Russia is waging a secret war (shadow war) against us. This undeclared war cannot be grasped in traditional military or legal categories. We are not in conflict and yet we are being attacked. This is truly a secret war (shadow war)." Jaeger also noted that Russia wants to break Europe's political support for Ukraine.

Jaeger said, "We did not want this conflict. Russia sees us as a great enemy and imposes this on us. The reason for this is that Germany does not accept Russia's revisionist-expansionist policies and its aggressive war against Ukraine. Germany has become a major obstacle to Russia's hegemonic show of power in Europe and therefore has become the target of Russian actions. Anyone who does not comply with Moscow's assessment becomes an enemy." "We must prepare ourselves against Russia's intimidation attempts and further intervention. There will probably be more threats. We must stand firm against this. Russia is testing us. It is closely monitoring how we handle this situation. The Kremlin will further increase the pressure on Germany if we hesitate to take action," Jaeger said.

Jaeger stated that they did not see any signs of a large-scale Russian attack on NATO territory, but that there may be "low-level Russian military activities" in the Baltic countries.

BND CHAIRMAN HAS UKRAINE EXPERIENCE

Martin Jaeger, Head of Germany's Foreign Intelligence Service (BND), took office in September 2025. BND Chairman Jaeger previously served as ambassador in Kiev, Baghdad and Kabul. The secret war (shadow war) that Jaeger draws attention to is defined as a type of conflict that does not officially exist and is carried out by mercenaries, hackers and unmanned aerial vehicles.

THE MEETING WAS HELD OPEN TO THE PUBLIC