German Intelligence Chief Warns Russia Escalating "Shadow War," Risking Conflict With Germany

The head of Germany's foreign intelligence service has warned that Germany risks being drawn into a conflict with Russia, amid a recent surge in hybrid attacks in Europe suspected to be orchestrated by Moscow.

According to AFP and other media outlets, Martin Jäger, president of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), made the remarks during a public parliamentary hearing for intelligence chiefs on October 5 (local time), stating that Russia's unofficial "shadow war" against Germany and Western allies is expanding.

"The confrontation we are facing with Russia has entered a new and more dangerous phase," Jäger said, adding that "the attempted attack in Leipzig is merely a fraction of such cases."

Authorities in Germany were alarmed in August when an attempted drone attack carrying explosives was carried out at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

Germany has pointed the finger at Russia for the incident, leading to a sharp escalation in bilateral tensions recently, including the tit-for-tat closure of each other's consulates.

Russia has strongly denied these allegations.

Jäger pointed out that "no other country currently poses such a direct, comprehensive, and concrete threat to Germany," noting that Russia's actions reflect the view that Germany is a major obstacle to its expanding hegemonic influence in Europe.

Having spearheaded efforts to provide both moral and material support to Ukraine since the outbreak of the war, Germany is also accelerating the rebuilding of its military capabilities to deter Russia.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit the previous day, October 4, to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, where Russian offensives have been intensifying, to reaffirm unwavering support for Ukraine and announce an additional aid package worth 13 billion euros (approx. 20 trillion KRW).

Jäger also added that while there are currently no signs indicating Russia is planning a large-scale military attack against the West, "the possibility of low-level Russian military activities in the Baltic states cannot be ruled out."

Sinan Selen, vice president of Germany's domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), similarly warned that Russian operations are expanding beyond traditional espionage into sabotage and assassinations.

"Defense companies and military infrastructure are becoming targets of attacks," Selen warned, expressing concern that Russia is "already accepting the risk of potential civilian casualties" in its intense offensive campaign against Germany.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.