German intelligence chief warns of 'violent conflict with Russia'
Russia is conducting a "shadow war," head of Germany's foreign intelligence service (BND), Martin Jaeger, said.
Germany's chief intelligence officer warned lawmakers on October 5th that the country is embroiled in a "shadow war" with Russia, risking involvement in a violent conflict with Moscow. Martin Jaeger, head of the foreign intelligence service (BND), stated that no other nation currently poses a direct, comprehensive, and concrete threat to Germany. He cited the attempted Russian drone attack on Leipzig airport on July 31 as evidence of the danger.
Jaeger further described Russia's actions as a "shadow war" - an undeclared conflict that defies conventional military or judicial definitions. He cautioned of more sabotage and nuclear intimidation from Moscow to deter any measures against Russia in Berlin or other European capitals, as well as halt support and arms deliveries to Ukraine.
Jaeger emphasized that the threat of Russian attacks on German targets remains "real and present," though the BND does not currently foresee a large-scale Russian assault on NATO territory.
Sinan Selen, head of the internal federal intelligence service (BfV), echoed Jaeger's assessment, stating that Russia is prepared to carry out sabotage and assassinations. Martina Rosenberg, head of the military intelligence service (MAD), added that Germany is facing adversaries from both outside and within. All three intelligence chiefs called for reforms enabling their agencies to operate more aggressively, such as countering cyberattacks or sabotaging adversarial weapons programs.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on October 4th to reaffirm Germany's support for Ukraine. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussing bilateral relations, European affairs, and international issues. Germany announced $1.46 billion in aid for Ukraine, including interceptor drones and air defense missiles.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
