The Kremlin rejects German intelligence services’ accusations regarding a Russian “shadow war” in Europe

The Kremlin rejected the accusations made by the head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), Martin Jager, that Russia is waging a “shadow war” against European countries. Moscow described the statements as unfounded and claimed that Berlin is using them to justify increasing defense spending.

Jager said that Germany is engaged in a confrontation with Russia that has taken on a “new, more dangerous dimension”. He warned that the threat of Russian attacks on German targets remains real and imminent.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the accusations “have no real factual basis” and that Germany is “creating an imaginary enemy” to justify its militarization.

German authorities, however, maintain that Russia is conducting a hybrid campaign that includes drone attacks and cyber operations. Berlin also attributed to Moscow an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport in August.

In July, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany intends to double its defense budget within four years and reach NATO’s target of allocating 3.5% of GDP to core defense by 2029.