German intelligence warns of Russian shadow war and sabotage

German intelligence chiefs have issued warnings regarding a “shadow war” being waged by Russia against the country and other NATO member states. During a public hearing before the Bundestag's Parliamentary Control Panel, Martin Jäger, head of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), stated that Russia views Germany as a main adversary and is engaging in systematic intimidation and low-profile operations.

Sinan Selen, president of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, further warned that Russia is preparing for acts of sabotage and even assassinations. These hostile activities include disinformation campaigns and attacks on critical infrastructure. As a specific example, officials cited an incident at Leipzig Airport in August, where a drone equipped with explosives was detected near a parking area for chartered Ukrainian aircraft.

Intelligence leaders emphasized that these threats have become more systematic and that intelligence services serve as the first line of defense. They also noted an intensification of Russian operations in Ukraine aimed at obstructing the delivery of military equipment to Kyiv.