BND Chief Warns of Escalating Threat of Violent Conflict Between Germany and Russia

Martin Jäger, president of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), has sounded the alarm over the growing risk of a violent confrontation between Germany and Russia during a rare public hearing before the Parliamentary Control Committee of the Bundestag. Jäger described the current conflict with Russia as acquiring a "new and more dangerous quality," highlighting Germany's direct and concrete threat posed by highly professional and ruthless Russian intelligence operations.

Jäger pointed to a recent attempted attack in Leipzig as evidence of Russia’s direct hostile actions within German territory. He emphasized that Germany has become a prime target for Russia due to its firm opposition to Moscow's expansionist ambitions and support for Ukraine. Russian efforts aim to undermine political support for Ukraine across Europe, particularly obstructing decisions unfavorable to Moscow in Berlin and other capitals.

Though Jäger does not foresee a large-scale Russian military attack on NATO territory, he acknowledged the real possibility of low-level military activities, especially in the Baltic region. He also noted the increasing brutality of Russian attacks in Ukraine, interpreting these as attempts by President Vladimir Putin to demonstrate success amid pressures.

Alongside Jäger, Sinan Selen, head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, and Martina Rosenberg, head of the Military Counterintelligence Service, underscored widening Russian threats including sabotage and assassination attempts. They stressed the urgency of reforming intelligence agencies to adapt to this escalating threat environment.

The BND chief underlined the need for expanded powers to protect Germany, highlighting the upcoming Bundestag debate on a new BND law that would allow the service operational measures such as countering cyberattacks and sabotaging hostile arms projects. This "shadow war" with Russia, according to Jäger, demands robust defense capabilities to counteract the persistent risk of violence and espionage within Germany.

In sum, Germany faces an unprecedented security challenge from Russia’s escalating hostile actions, prompting urgent calls for enhanced intelligence and countermeasures to safeguard national stability and European political cohesion.