Martina Rosenberg, president of Germany’s Military Counterintelligence Service, warned on July 21, 2023, of a sharp increase in Russian espionage and hybrid tactics targeting Germany. Russia's covert operations have intensified, including sabotage at sea such as broken cables and oil supply disruptions, alongside recruitment of unwitting local agents. Prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Germany had already expelled Russian diplomats in 2021 over covert activities. A notable incident involved a Ukrainian teenager recruited by Russia who triggered an explosion in an Ikea store in Vilnius, Lithuania in March 2024. Rosenberg emphasized Germany’s role as a NATO logistical hub and active target for foreign intelligence. The approach from Moscow has become more massive and aggressive, highlighting the ongoing hybrid threat posed by Russia to Germany and its NATO allies.

Martina Rosenberg, president of Germany’s Military Counterintelligence Service, warned on July 21, 2023, of a sharp increase in Russian espionage and hybrid tactics targeting Germany. Russia's covert operations have intensified, including sabotage at sea such as broken cables and oil supply disruptions, alongside recruitment of unwitting local agents. Prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Germany had already expelled Russian diplomats in 2021 over covert activities. A notable incident involved a Ukrainian teenager recruited by Russia who triggered an explosion in an Ikea store in Vilnius, Lithuania in March 2024. Rosenberg emphasized Germany’s role as a NATO logistical hub and active target for foreign intelligence. The approach from Moscow has become more massive and aggressive, highlighting the ongoing hybrid threat posed by Russia to Germany and its NATO allies.