Top German intelligence leaders appeared before parliament in Berlin on Monday, warning that Russia poses a sudden and direct military threat to European security.
The briefing marked an unprecedented tone in official discussions, highlighting the accelerating risks facing NATO from Moscow’s ongoing hybrid campaign.
Russian drone incursions, airspace violations, and intensified espionage have heightened Western concerns.
German officials emphasized that Moscow’s willingness to escalate could transform covert operations into direct conflict far sooner than previously assumed.
Why Did German Spy Chiefs Raise the Alarm?
Martin Jäger, head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service BND, told lawmakers that Russia is systematically testing European borders with increasing audacity.
He explained that “Germany is the primary target in Europe” because of its economic stature and strong support for Ukraine. Jäger cautioned against waiting for a 2029 timeline, stating, “We are already under fire today.”
Sinan Selen, who leads Germany’s domestic agency BfV, reported a significant rise in foreign extremist presence within Germany.
He described Russia’s actions as “increasingly escalatory” and stressed that Moscow is constantly tweaking its hybrid strategy to undermine liberal democracies.
Lawmakers responded with pledges to review intelligence budgets and authorities for more rapid adaptation.
Did you know?
The BND is Germany's official foreign intelligence service, tasked with collecting and analyzing strategic information from abroad to protect the interests and security of the Federal Republic of Germany.
What Russian Hybrid Warfare Operations Escalated Recently?
The briefing followed a surge in Russian hybrid attacks, including drone incursions deep into Polish airspace, which triggered NATO military engagement for the first time since the Ukraine conflict began.
On September 10, Dutch F-35 and Polish F-16 fighters intercepted up to 23 drones launched from Russian territory, forcing them down after a dangerous breach.
Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace in September, prompting Estonia to invoke NATO’s Article 4 for urgent consultations.
Similar drone sightings have disrupted airports in Munich, Denmark, and Norway. Some drones reportedly launched from Russian ships patrolling the Baltic Sea have raised alarms about new maritime tactics.
How Is Germany Responding to Moscow's Military Moves?
Jäger announced a shift by Germany’s BND to higher-risk operations in response to hostile intelligence activities.
He called for granting the agency broader powers “to match the reality of our new era,” arguing that caution or leniency only emboldens adversaries.
Germany also increased surveillance of suspected Russian agents and expanded joint exercises with Poland, Denmark, and other allies.
Domestic airports have introduced rapid drone response protocols after incidents that temporarily suspended flights in major cities.
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What Steps Has NATO Taken Amid Rising Tensions?
NATO responded to the heightened threat by initiating Operation Eastern Sentry to bolster defenses along its eastern flank. The alliance ramped up aerial patrol missions, including a 12-hour joint UK-US flight near the Russian border.
EU policymakers are also planning a “drone wall” along the borders with Russia and Belarus to disrupt hybrid attack vectors.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed urgent concern that these incidents form a coordinated campaign to destabilize the European Union.
Baltic states and Poland have called for further reinforcements, appealing for more integrated intelligence sharing with Germany and France.
Why Does Europe Face Its Most Serious Security Threat Since the Cold War?
Officials now believe that Russia’s willingness for confrontation has reached levels not seen since the Cold War. Germany’s spy chiefs warned that Moscow could escalate to open conflict without warning, aiming to destabilize the region and weaken EU support for Ukraine.
This perception has led German and European authorities to reassess defense postures and streamline intelligence coordination.
Many parliamentarians expressed concern that restraint signals weakness and pledged to prioritize defense reforms.
The intelligence briefing shifted the tone of public debates, with security experts urging faster decision-making to anticipate new forms of Russian warfare and exploit vulnerabilities before they reach critical levels.
As Germany and NATO forge a stronger allied front, Europe faces a pivotal moment testing the resolve of its institutions and the unity of its members.
Political and military leaders have begun to shape new strategies to confront an era marked by evolving threats and complex, hybrid tactics.
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