World

German officials warn of growing Russian hybrid threats

In brief

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Russia seeks to destabilise Germany. Intelligence chief Sinan Selen warned that ending the war in Ukraine would not end the threat.

Germany faces a Russian “shadow war” aimed at political and social subjugation, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said at a conference, according to LIGA.net, citing Reuters. He said Germany was not at war but faced hybrid attacks daily, with objectives extending beyond those seen during the Cold War.

Domestic intelligence chief Sinan Selen said Russian operations were increasing in intensity, pace and scale, LIGA.net reported, citing Unternehmen Heute. He described activities ranging from disinformation and sabotage to preparations for assassinations in Germany.

Selen warned against viewing those operations solely as a response to support for Ukraine. He said Russia sought to reshape Europe's security order and cautioned that threats to Germany would persist even after the war in Ukraine ended.

Sources