German intelligence chiefs warn Germany risks being drawn into conflict with Russia
Version 2: A further outlet reported the same parliamentary hearing, adding the framing that Germany and Russia are already in a shadow war; the earlier warning that Germany risks being drawn into armed conflict is otherwise unchanged.
In short
Germany's foreign intelligence chief told a parliamentary hearing on Oct 5 that Germany risks being drawn into a conflict with Russia and that the confrontation has entered a new and more dangerous phase, describing an expanding “shadow war”. He cited an August attempt to attack Leipzig-Halle airport with an explosives-laden drone, which German authorities have blamed on Russia and Russia denies. Germany's domestic intelligence chief warned at the same hearing that Russian operations now extend to sabotage and assassination.
Read the full story 2 min read
Germany's foreign intelligence chief told a parliamentary hearing on Oct 5 that Germany risks being drawn into a conflict with Russia and that the confrontation has entered “a new and more dangerous phase,” Yonhap reported. Martin Jäger, head of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), told the public hearing of intelligence chiefs that Russia's informal “shadow war” against Germany and Western allies is expanding, according to the report. Korea Economic Daily headlined the same warning as a growing risk of a clash with Russia, and Newsis framed the testimony as Germany and Russia already being in a shadow war. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Jäger said the attempted attack in Leipzig was only one example. In August, an attempt was made to attack Leipzig-Halle airport with an explosives-laden drone, alarming German authorities, Yonhap reported. Germany named Russia as the party behind the incident, and the two countries have since closed each other's consulates, sharply raising tensions, the report said. Russia strongly denies the accusations. Jäger said no country currently poses such a direct, comprehensive and specific threat to Germany, and that Russia's actions reflect a view of Germany as a key obstacle to its hegemonic influence in Europe. [ 1 ]
The BND chief also said there are currently no signs that Russia is planning a large-scale military attack on the West, while adding that low-level Russian military activity in the Baltic states cannot be ruled out, according to Yonhap. Korea Economic Daily's headline likewise pointed to a possible provocation in the Baltic states. [ 1 , 2 ]
Sinan Selen, head of the domestic Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), warned at the same hearing that Russian operations have expanded beyond traditional espionage into sabotage and assassination, Yonhap reported. He said defence firms and military infrastructure are targets and that Russia is already accepting the risk of potential civilian casualties. [ 1 ]
Germany has led support for Ukraine since the war began and is stepping up the rebuilding of its military to deter Russia, according to Yonhap. Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Oct 4, reaffirming Germany's support for Ukraine and announcing 13 billion euros in additional assistance. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
Germany has been one of Ukraine's leading backers and is rebuilding its armed forces to deter Russia, so public warnings from its intelligence chiefs point to the confrontation spilling further into Western Europe. The dispute has already reached diplomatic measures such as mutual consulate closures, and officials say defence firms and military infrastructure are among the targets.
Key facts
- Martin Jäger, head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), testified at a public hearing of intelligence chiefs in the German parliament on Oct 5. [ 1 ]
- Jäger said the confrontation with Russia has entered a new and more dangerous phase and described an expanding informal “shadow war” against Germany and Western allies. [ 1 , 3 ]
- An attempt to attack Leipzig-Halle airport with an explosives-laden drone took place in August; Germany named Russia as the party behind it, and Russia strongly denies the accusations. [ 1 ]
- Germany and Russia have closed each other's consulates as tensions rose sharply. [ 1 ]
- Jäger said no signs of a large-scale Russian military attack on the West are currently detected, but that low-level Russian military activity in the Baltic states cannot be ruled out. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Sinan Selen, head of the domestic Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), said Russian operations have expanded beyond traditional espionage to sabotage and assassination, targeting defence firms and military infrastructure. [ 1 ]
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Oct 4 and announced 13 billion euros in additional support for Ukraine. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Germany's BND chief Martin Jäger said Germany risks being drawn into a conflict with Russia and that the confrontation has entered a new and more dangerous phase, with an informal “shadow war” expanding. [ 1 , 3 ]
- Jäger said no signs of a large-scale Russian military attack on the West have been detected, while low-level Russian military activity in the Baltic states cannot be ruled out. [ 1 , 2 ]
- BfV chief Sinan Selen warned that Russian operations go beyond traditional espionage to sabotage and assassination, and that defence firms and military infrastructure are targets. [ 1 ]
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv on Oct 4 and announced 13 billion euros in additional support for Ukraine. [ 1 ]
Still unclear
- Whether Russia was behind the August drone attack attempt at Leipzig-Halle airport. The documents say German authorities pointed to Russia and that Russia strongly denies the accusations, but give no evidence or detail on how responsibility was determined.
- Whether the confrontation will escalate into armed conflict between Germany and Russia. Jäger warned of the risk but said no indications of a large-scale Russian military attack are currently detected; the documents give no timeline or assessment of how the situation may develop.
- What the 13 billion euros in additional German support to Ukraine covers. Only the total figure and the announcement are given; no breakdown or timeframe is reported.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Kyiv and announces 13 billion euros in additional support for Ukraine, according to Yonhap's account (dated Oct 4, no time given). [ 1 ]
- Yonhap publishes its report on the German intelligence chiefs' testimony at the parliamentary hearing. [ 1 ]
- Korea Economic Daily publishes its headline report on the growing risk of a German-Russian conflict and a possible provocation in the Baltic states. [ 2 ]
- Newsis publishes its headline report on the intelligence chief's warning of a “shadow war” and the risk of being drawn into armed conflict. [ 3 ]