Germany: The head of the Federal Intelligence Service warns that the country risks a violent conflict with Russia amid the intensification of hybrid attacks attributed to Moscow

Germany risks being drawn into a violent conflict with Russia amid the intensification of the “shadow war” waged by Moscow against European democracies, Martin Jaeger, head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), warned on Monday during the annual public hearing in the Bundestag.

“The confrontation with Russia has taken on a new, more dangerous dimension,” Jaeger told lawmakers. He cited the attempted drone attack on Leipzig Airport, reported in August, as one example of the risks facing Germany.

German authorities say Russia is conducting a hybrid campaign against European states that includes drone attacks, sabotage operations and cyberattacks. Berlin accuses Moscow of being behind the attempted attack in Leipzig, but Russia has repeatedly denied any intention of targeting NATO member states.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia “does not threaten anyone” and does not intend to attack other states. He added, however, that Moscow would retaliate if subjected to aggression. The BND chief’s warning comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Germany, against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and allegations of clandestine operations in Europe.