Friedrich Merz claims that Russia is intensifying its hybrid attacks on Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned on Thursday that Germany is facing an intensification of hybrid attacks attributed to Russia and pledged that Berlin will continue to support Ukraine. The statement was made at the 2026 Westphalian Peace Prize ceremony, amid preparations for a difficult winter for Ukraine.

Merz said that German authorities expect new attacks, including some serious ones, such as drone operations, cyberattacks, and manipulation campaigns on social media. Germany accused Moscow of being behind an attempted drone attack on Leipzig Airport in August. Russia rejected the accusations made by Western governments and intelligence services.

The chancellor stated that Germany does not want to humiliate the Russian people or destabilize the Russian state, but called on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine and abandon hybrid attacks against Europe. He added that Berlin could restore stable and predictable relations with Russia at the appropriate time.

Merz warned that Ukraine is likely heading toward its toughest winter since the invasion began in 2022 and reaffirmed Germany’s military and political support. The statements come after important electoral successes by the far-right AfD, which supports restoring relations with Moscow and resuming Russian energy supplies.

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