German intelligence chief Martin Jaeger warned in Berlin on Monday that Russia masks its true intentions while probing European borders, urging swift action before a potential conflict erupts.
Russia’s Strategic Guile
In a meeting with parliamentarians in Berlin on Monday, Martin Jaeger warned of a possible threat from Moscow. He said Russia hides its true intentions but in reality probes European borders. At best, Europe remains in a state of cold peace that could turn into hot confrontation at any moment.
Threat to European Democracy
Jaeger added that Russia seeks to extend its influence in the West and will not hesitate to confront NATO militarily. In his view, Germany is “number one” for Russia due to its support for Ukraine. He said we cannot wait and assume that a potential Russian attack will not happen before 2029; we are under attack today.
German Counterintelligence Assessment
Jaeger also highlighted known tactics used by Moscow: attempts to manipulate elections and public opinion, propaganda, provocation, disinformation, espionage, sabotage, violation of airspace by drones and fighters, targeted killings, and persecution of exiled opposition figures. His agency noted a rise in foreign powers seeking to influence German internal policy and government decisions. He said Russia’s actions are hard to track or attribute.
Intelligence Leader Comments
Sinan Selen, head of the German domestic intelligence service (BfV), said Russia aggressively pursues political ambitions against Germany, the EU, and their western allies. He noted that Russian services constantly adjust the level of escalation to strategically weaken liberal democracies, leading to widespread espionage, disinformation, interference, sabotage and cyberattacks by foreign actors and states in Germany.
EU Tribunal Against Putin
EU foreign minister Kaja Kallas announced that the European Union has started financing a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting Vladimir Putin and other Kremlin officials for aggression against Ukraine. The tribunal seeks to hold Russia’s top leadership accountable for launching illegal war against a sovereign state. During a visit to Kyiv, where she met President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kallas said the tribunal had formally been created and the EU had provided initial funding.