German Intelligence Chief Warns Russia's Shadow War Risks Direct Conflict

German domestic intelligence chief Sinan Selen said Russia’s repertoire includes planning killings, alongside sabotage, disinformation and attempted attacks; he also said Germany’s services had had some success countering the threats.
Jaeger said Moscow seeks to deter political decisions against Russia in Berlin and other European capitals, undermine Europe’s support for Ukraine and may again resort to nuclear threats.
Jaeger described Germany as a major obstacle to Russia’s pursuit of hegemonic power in Europe and therefore a target of Russian actions. Germany has invested record sums in rebuilding its military and remains one of Ukraine’s largest supporters.
A reform passed earlier in the year allows German intelligence agencies to undertake more aggressive covert actions, beyond intelligence gathering, as part of their response to the threat.
Germany's foreign intelligence chief Martin Jaeger warned lawmakers that Russia's escalating "shadow war" of espionage, sabotage, and intimidation could draw the country into violent conflict. Bloomberg reported that Jaeger described the threat as "new, more dangerous," citing Russian military ambitions and aggressive intelligence operations targeting German decision-makers and Ukraine supporters.
Jaeger said Germany faces a major campaign to deter Berlin from opposing Moscow and supporting Ukraine. IJR reported that German domestic intelligence chief Sinan Selen confirmed Russia's operations include planning killings, sabotage, disinformation, and attempted attacks, though German services have had some success countering these threats.
A suspected Russian attempt to attack a Ukrainian cargo aircraft near Leipzig Airport highlighted the escalating threat. 24NewsHD reported the incident involved an explosives-laden drone, though details remain limited. Security officials say such incidents underscore Moscow's willingness to conduct operations on German soil.
Jaeger described Germany as a major target because Moscow sees Berlin as blocking its pursuit of European dominance. US HeadTopics reported that Russia views Germany as a primary adversary due to Berlin's military rebuilding and substantial support for Ukraine. Germany has invested record military spending and remains one of Kyiv's largest backers.
Jaeger said Russia aims to discourage political decisions against Moscow in Berlin and other European capitals. Times of India reported that Jaeger warned Moscow wants to undermine European support for Ukraine and may resort to nuclear threats. The effort represents a coordinated campaign to weaken Western resolve.
A reform passed earlier this year allows German intelligence agencies to conduct more aggressive covert actions beyond traditional intelligence gathering. Bloomberg reported the change reflects Berlin's response to the escalating Russian threat. Jaeger said Germany's intelligence services are on the front line and require stronger capabilities to counter hybrid operations.
Jaeger reported no indication of plans for large-scale Russian military attacks on NATO but warned lower-level military activity could occur, particularly in the Baltic states. The warning underscores the hybrid nature of the current threat—below full-scale invasion but above ordinary peacetime operations.
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