BND Chairman Jaeger: Russia is Waging a 'Shadow War' Against Germany
Martin Jaeger, Head of Germany's foreign intelligence service BND, stated that Russia's hybrid operations have increased and Germany is at risk of conflict.
Quick Look
- BND President Martin Jaeger announced that Russia is waging a 'shadow war' against Germany with cyber and hybrid attacks.
- Drawing attention to the attack attempt in Leipzig, Jaeger emphasized that Russia was testing Germany's weaknesses and trying to break Ukrainian support.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
As one of Ukraine's biggest supporters, Germany is experiencing diplomatic and security tensions with Russia. The BND has long monitored Russia's hybrid operations.
Martin Jaeger, head of Germany's foreign intelligence service BND, stated that Russia is waging an increasingly aggressive "shadow war" against European democracies and said that Germany is at risk of being dragged into a violent conflict.
In his speech at the annual intelligence session held in parliament, Jaeger said, "The situation we are facing with Russia has taken on a new and more dangerous dimension."
The BND Chairman argued that the risk of attacks against targets in Germany is "real and imminent", citing the attack attempt in Leipzig as an example.
German authorities have recently accused Russia of drone attacks, cyber attacks and other hybrid operations.
Moscow was also held responsible for a drone attack attempt against Leipzig Airport in August.
“RUSSIA IS TESTING GERMANY”
Jaeger asserted that Russia was ready to use force to achieve its goals and said that Russian intelligence services' activities against Germany were "becoming increasingly aggressive."
"Russia is testing us and watching closely how we respond to this situation," said Jaeger, arguing that the Kremlin could use possible signs of weakness as an opportunity to increase pressure.
The BND Chairman also emphasized that there is no sign that Russia will launch a large-scale attack on NATO territory in the near future.
However, he said that low-intensity military activities may be possible, especially in the Baltic countries.
Jaeger stated that Germany should be prepared for more intervention attempts, intimidation activities and nuclear threats.
“MOSCOW TRUSTS IN OUR WEAKNESS”
"Moscow is counting on our weakness. We must stand against this," Jaeger said.
Arguing that Russia is trying to dissuade Germany, one of Ukraine's biggest supporters, from supporting Kiev, Jaeger also issued a harsh warning for the coming winter.
"Russia is determined to bring Ukraine to its knees this winter," said Jaeger, suggesting that the attacks could be heavy and harsh at an unprecedented level.
If the new bill prepared in Germany is passed by the parliament, it is planned to give the intelligence services the authority to carry out more active operations in order to prevent attacks.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The draft law that will expand the powers of intelligence services in Germany will be presented to the parliament.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What concrete powers will the new bill give to intelligence services?
- What are the details of the investigation into the Leipzig attack attempt?
