Russian intelligence chiefs have raised concerns about the country’s potential to attack NATO by 2030 and disrupt Ukraine’s Western backers through sabotage. Germany, the second-biggest military supporter of Ukraine after the US, is also facing increasing espionage and sabotage activities from Russia.
BND foreign intelligence chief Bruno Kahl warned that Russian armed forces may be capable of carrying out an attack against NATO by the end of the decade. This could lead to a direct confrontation between Moscow and the US-led military alliance.
Domestic intelligence chief Thomas Haldenwang highlighted the growing threat from Russia, citing instances of espionage and sabotage activities in Germany. He mentioned a near-miss involving an exploding package and a DHL cargo plane, which he called a “lucky accident.”
Russia is also engaged in disinformation campaigns, espionage targeting the German armed forces, and recruiting individuals from organized crime with offers of money. Military intelligence head Martina Rosenberg emphasized the increase in activities like reconnaissance of German arms deliveries to Ukraine and surveillance of military training and armaments projects.