Germany risks ‘violent conflict’ with Russia,spy chief warns

Germany is at risk of becoming embroiled in a “violent conflict” with Russia, the head of the country’s foreign intelligence service warned Monday, as Moscow steps up what European governments describe as an “aggressive shadow war” against countries supporting Ukraine.

BERLIN: Germany is at risk of becoming embroiled in a “violent conflict” with Russia, the head of the country’s foreign intelligence service warned Monday, as Moscow steps up what European governments describe as an “aggressive shadow war” against countries supporting Ukraine.

Speaking at the annual public hearing of Germany’s intelligence chiefs in parliament, Martin Jaeger, head of the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), said the confrontation with Russia had entered “a new, more dangerous dimension”.

“Germany is in danger of becoming embroiled in a violent conflict with Russia — the attempted attack in Leipzig is just one example,” Jaeger said.

“No other country currently poses such a direct, comprehensive and concrete threat to Germany,” he said. “We did not seek this confrontation. Russia is forcing it upon us and sees us as a main adversary.”

Jaeger’s remarks came after Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Ukraine and announced 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in additional military aid for Kyiv, as Russia stepped up its strikes against the country.

Denmark’s intelligence services have also warned of an escalation in Russian hybrid threats against Europe in the coming months.

The Kremlin has rejected accusations that Russia poses a threat to NATO and denied seeking confrontation with the alliance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday: “We are not threatening anyone. We have no intention of attacking anyone — whether in 2029, 2030 or 2050 — but if we are subjected to aggression, we will have no choice but to respond.”