Germany sounds alarm as Russia escalates cyberattacks and espionage operations

Germany’s intelligence chief warned Monday that Russia has intensified its cyberattacks, espionage, and influence operations.

“Russian espionage and sabotage operations are increasing, both qualitatively and quantitatively,” Thomas Haldenwang, head of the domestic intelligence agency BfV, told lawmakers during a public hearing in parliament. “We are observing aggressive actions by the Russian intelligence services,” he added.

Haldenwang alleged that Russian intelligence is behind several sabotage efforts, including the dispatch of packages containing unconventional incendiary devices.

During the same hearing, Martina Rosenberg, chief of the military counterintelligence service (MAD), noted a troubling rise in attempts to spy on critical infrastructure. “The German armed forces (Bundeswehr) are the focus here,” she said.

“This includes investigations into German arms deliveries to Ukraine, training projects, and armaments initiatives, or creating a sense of insecurity through acts of sabotage.”

Bruno Kahl, head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service (BND), added that Russian espionage activities have reached unprecedented levels. “The Kremlin sees the West, and therefore Germany, as an enemy,” Kahl said, citing Germany’s political and military support for Ukraine.

Kahl also warned that Russia is likely to “test the West’s red lines” and may possess the military capability to attack a Western country by 2030 at the latest.