Rising tensions: German intelligence warns of potential Russian threat to NATO
Russian forces could potentially attack NATO territory by the end of this decade, stated Bruno Kahl, head of the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND), on Monday.
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Kahl took part in a public hearing in the Bundestag, where he discussed Russia's hybrid and covert actions alongside the highest-ranking representatives of German intelligence services.
Kahl cautioned that the Kremlin views the West, including Germany, as a hostile force. He emphasized that Moscow's actions have escalated to an unprecedented level and predicted that Putin would push the boundaries of what the West considers unacceptable. Additionally, the head of the BND indicated that Russia is preparing for potential attacks on NATO countries by the end of the decade.
The head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) also warned of increased Russian activity in Germany. "We're observing aggressive activity by Russian intelligence agencies," said Thomas Haldenwang, the head of the BfV, during a public hearing before the Bundestag's Parliamentary Control Committee. "Tagesschau" reports that Russian espionage and sabotage activities in Germany are on the rise, both in scope and sophistication.
The Bundeswehr and supplies to Ukraine in the crosshairs
Meanwhile, Martina Rosenberg, head of the Federal Office of Military Counterintelligence (MAD), highlighted that the frequency of espionage attempts related to critical infrastructure is "alarmingly" high and requires increased vigilance.
She pointed out that the Bundeswehr is under scrutiny, whether it's for evaluating Germany's military support to Ukraine, training initiatives, weapons projects, or attempts to instil fear through acts of sabotage.
