At a public parliamentary hearing on October 5, 2026, Martin Jäger, President of the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND), warned that Germany faces a risk of violent conflict with Russia, describing the current situation as a 'shadow war'. He emphasized the real and present threat of Russian covert operations including sabotage, assassination attempts, espionage, disinformation, and drone flights targeting Germany and Europe. The Russian goal is to prevent political decisions adverse to Moscow in Berlin and other European capitals and to halt European support and arms deliveries to Ukraine. While no large-scale Russian attack on NATO territory is detected, the intelligence services expect low-threshold military activity in the Baltic region. The heads of the domestic intelligence (BfV) and military counterintelligence (MAD) services confirmed rising threats, including sabotage and violent acts within Germany and influences on elections. The intelligence agencies seek expanded authorities, with the German parliament considering a bill to enable operational tasks to counter cyberattacks and sabotage. The parliamentary control panel oversees intelligence activities under secrecy. Warning included that Russia uses high professional and ruthless methods and nuclear threats are anticipated. The public hearing is held once annually and reflects heightened concern about Russian hybrid warfare and espionage activities.

At a public parliamentary hearing on October 5, 2026, Martin Jäger, President of the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND), warned that Germany faces a risk of violent conflict with Russia, describing the current situation as a 'shadow war'. He emphasized the real and present threat of Russian covert operations including sabotage, assassination attempts, espionage, disinformation, and drone flights targeting Germany and Europe. The Russian goal is to prevent political decisions adverse to Moscow in Berlin and other European capitals and to halt European support and arms deliveries to Ukraine. While no large-scale Russian attack on NATO territory is detected, the intelligence services expect low-threshold military activity in the Baltic region. The heads of the domestic intelligence (BfV) and military counterintelligence (MAD) services confirmed rising threats, including sabotage and violent acts within Germany and influences on elections. The intelligence agencies seek expanded authorities, with the German parliament considering a bill to enable operational tasks to counter cyberattacks and sabotage. The parliamentary control panel oversees intelligence activities under secrecy. Warning included that Russia uses high professional and ruthless methods and nuclear threats are anticipated. The public hearing is held once annually and reflects heightened concern about Russian hybrid warfare and espionage activities.