German intelligence also believes that Russia is stepping up efforts to undermine Western countries supporting Ukraine through sabotage. Germany, Ukraine’s second-largest military backer after the United States, is also increasingly targeted by Russian espionage and sabotage, according to German intelligence leaders.
“Whether we like it or not, we are in direct confrontation with Russia,” Bruno Kahl, head of Germany's BND foreign intelligence agency, told a recent hearing in the German lower house of parliament.
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Mr Kahl said Russian President Vladimir Putin's long-term goal was to weaken the West, while a military clash with NATO was "becoming an option for Russia".
“In terms of personnel and material, the Russian armed forces will probably achieve the capability to carry out an attack on NATO by the end of this decade at the latest,” Mr. Kahl predicted.
Russian soldiers during a recent exercise
Also attending the hearing were the heads of Germany's domestic and military intelligence agencies, who took turns warning of the growing threat from Russia amid its military campaign in Ukraine, according to AFP.
“Russian espionage and sabotage activities in Germany are increasing, both in quality and quantity,” said Thomas Haldenwang, the head of Germany’s domestic intelligence agency. He listed suspected sabotage activities, including a near miss involving an explosive package and a DHL cargo plane.
Mr. Haldenwang also said that Russia is also engaged in disinformation campaigns, has deployed drones to spy on critical infrastructure and is seeking to recruit all elements, including those in the organized crime world.
In addition, Martina Rosenberg, head of Germany's military intelligence agency, said the German Armed Forces had seen a "significant increase" in espionage and sabotage activities linked to Russia. Among the activities Russia has carried out are "spying on German arms shipments to Ukraine" as well as monitoring military training and weapons projects, Rosenberg said.
The trio of intelligence chiefs have asked for more powers to counter Russian activities and other threats in Germany, according to AFP.
There is currently no information about Russia's reaction to the above statement from German intelligence.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/gioi-tinh-bao-duc-nga-co-the-dat-nang-luc-tan-cong-nato-vao-nam-2030-185241015104018865.htm
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