German intelligence chief warns: Russia’s shadow war is intensifying and Germany faces the risk of violent conflict

Martin Jaeger, the head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), warned that Germany is at risk of a violent conflict with Moscow as Russia's "shadow war" against European democracy intensifies.

Yeager bluntly stated at the annual public hearing of the intelligence chiefs in Congress on the 5th that the confrontation with Russia has taken on a new and more dangerous situation. "Germany has fallen into a dangerous situation that may lead to a violent conflict with Russia. The attempted attack at Leipzig Airport is just one example." He emphasized that the shadow war launched by Russia poses a real and urgent threat to attack German targets.

In early August, a drone loaded with explosives was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, triggering high alert from the Berlin government. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt accused foreign forces of trying to stir up fear and manipulate German politics and society, and hybrid warfare has become a daily routine.

Although Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that he has no intention to attack any country, Yeager believes that Moscow is prepared to use force to achieve its goals and that Russian intelligence agencies are becoming more and more intense in their activities against Germany. "Russia is testing us and closely observing how we control the situation. From the perspective of the Kremlin leadership, any sign of hesitation is a beckoning them to further put pressure on Germany."

In addition, although there are no signs that Russia will launch a large-scale attack on North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) territory, "Russia may still conduct low-intensity military activities, especially in the Baltic States."