Germany’s spy chief warns of increased Russian sabotage risks

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - Germany’s spy chief warned on Monday that Russia has ramped up its cyber-attacks, espionage, and influence operations.

“Russian espionage and sabotage operations are increasing, both qualitatively and quantitatively,” Thomas Haldenwang, head of the domestic intelligence agency BfV, has told lawmakers.

"We are observing aggressive actions by the Russian intelligence services" he said during a public hearing in the parliament.

Haldenwang claimed that Russian intelligence services were behind various sabotage activities, including sending packages containing unconventional incendiary devices.

Speaking at the hearing, the military counterintelligence service MAD’s chief, Martina Rosenberg, said there has been a worrying increase in attempts to spy on critical infrastructure.

“The German armed forces (Bundeswehr) is the focus here. Be it to investigate German arms deliveries to Ukraine, training projects or armaments projects, or to convey a sense of insecurity through acts of sabotage,” Rosenberg said.

Germany’s foreign intelligence service BND’s chief, Bruno Kahl, said Russia’s espionage activities have reached their highest level so far.

"The Kremlin sees the West, and therefore Germany, as an enemy," Kahl said, referring to Germany’s political and military support for Ukraine.

He also warned that Russia will “test the West's red lines” and could have the military capability to attack a Western country by 2030 at the latest.