Germany warns of growing activities of Russian intelligence services in the country

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has warned of growing danger from Russian intelligence activities in Germany.

Putin’s regime is acting more aggressively – Faeser

German media outlet n-tv quoted Faeser as saying that Germany sees that “Putin’s regime is acting more and more aggressively.”

“Our security authorities are using enormous resources to protect our country against the threats of Russian espionage, acts of sabotage, and cyber attacks,” the German Interior Minister said.

In the past, these authorities have “struck consistently and prevented possible bomb attacks on behalf of the Russian regime in Germany that were aimed at our military support for Ukraine.” 

Sabotage and assassinations are likely – Kiesewetter

CDU foreign and security politician Roderich Kiesewetter also warns of violent acts: “Sabotage and targeted assassinations are likely,” he told the “Handelsblatt,” and called for the intelligence services to be strengthened financially in terms of personnel and equipment.

“Our capabilities in the area of ​​counter-espionage are almost zero, and sanctions to deter them are only being implemented half-heartedly,” he criticized.

German intelligence services are focusing on Russia’s hybrid and covert measures

The top personnel of the German intelligence services are focusing on hybrid and covert measures by Russia at a public hearing in the Bundestag. The President of the Military Counterintelligence Service, Martina Rosenberg, reports on attempts by foreign intelligence services to spy on the Bundeswehr: 

“Whether it’s to investigate German arms deliveries to Ukraine, training or armament projects, or to convey a feeling of insecurity through acts of sabotage,” she said.

The President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Thomas Haldenwang, says that espionage and sabotage by Russian actors in Germany in particular have increased—”both quantitatively and qualitatively.” He explains, “We are observing aggressive actions by the Russian intelligence services.”

Warnings over possible sabotage operations in Europe

Due to concerns about espionage, the German Interior Ministry recently prepared a bill that will expand vetting measures for employees in sensitive industries like information technology and communications, government, and critical infrastructure.

Earlier, European intelligence services warned that Russia has stepped up its sabotage operations, as FT reported. Representatives of European intelligence agencies believe that Russia has already begun to actively prepare covert explosions, arson attacks, and damage to infrastructure on European territory, directly and through proxies.

The FT has seen assessments from the intelligence agencies of three European countries, which indicate an increase in aggressive and coordinated efforts to conduct sabotage. Security officials are increasingly speaking out about this threat in an effort to increase vigilance.

Russian spies may use drones to monitor British military bases where Ukrainian soldiers receive training, according to a warning from the UK Ministry of Defense.

A memo distributed to the British military states that Russian intelligence services have shown “considerable” interest in Operation Interflex, in which London, together with its allies, provides training for soldiers from Ukraine.

Among other things, the report suggests that Russia may use drones to monitor military bases in the UK and is actively searching for military instructors online or in person to gather information.