Germany at risk of violent conflict with Russia, intel chief says

• Germany faces a growing risk of violent conflict with Russia due to Moscow's aggressive "shadow war" involving hybrid drone and cyberattacks against European democracies.
• The head of Germany's foreign intelligence service, Martin Jaeger, highlighted the increased danger and cited the attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport as evidence.
• Russia denies plans to attack NATO countries but warns it will respond if subjected to aggression, according to President Vladimir Putin's statement on Oct 1.

BERLIN – Germany is at risk of entering a violent conflict with Russia as Moscow steps up an increasingly aggressive “shadow war” against European democracies, the head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service warned on Oct 5.

“The confrontation we are facing with Russia has taken on a new, more dangerous dimension,” Martin Jaeger, head of the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), told lawmakers at the annual public hearing of intelligence chiefs in parliament.

“Germany is in danger of becoming embroiled in a violent conflict with Russia – the attempted attack in Leipzig is just one example,” he said.

The German authorities have warned repeatedly that Russia is conducting a hybrid campaign of drone and cyberattacks, accusing Moscow of being behind an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport in August.

Russia has repeatedly denied any intention of attacking NATO countries.

“We are not threatening anyone,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Oct 1.

“We have no intention of attacking anyone – whether in 2029, 2030 or 2050 – but if we are subjected to aggression, we will have no choice but to respond.” REUTERS