Germany's foreign intelligence head warned that the nation faces an imminent threat of violent conflict as Russia escalates its hybrid "shadow war" against European democracies.

Martin Jäger, head of Germany's foreign intelligence service (BND), has warned that Germany is at risk of being drawn into a violent conflict with Russia. Speaking before parliamentarians, Jäger described an increasingly aggressive "shadow war" involving hybrid attacks, citing an attempted drone incident at Leipzig Airport in August as a primary example. He stated that Germany has become a significant obstacle to Russian power projection in Europe, making it a key target for the Kremlin.

Escalating Hybrid Threats

Jäger characterized the current confrontation with Russia as having entered a new, more dangerous dimension. He warned that the threat of attacks against targets in Germany remains real and imminent, noting that Russian intelligence operations are becoming increasingly aggressive. According to Jäger, the Kremlin is testing Germany's resolve, and any sign of wavering could encourage Russia to increase pressure further.

War in Ukraine and Domestic Pressures

The intelligence chief noted that the war in Ukraine is entering its most dangerous phase as Russia seeks to force a breakthrough this winter. Jäger suggested that President Vladimir Putin is under significant domestic pressure to demonstrate military success, having reached a point where ending the conflict without a victory could jeopardize his power base. Meanwhile, Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently visited Kyiv to reaffirm Germany's support for Ukraine amid concerns over domestic political instability.