“The German Defense Ministry document says that Russia is increasing covert actions against the country’s critical infrastructure as part of a hybrid war, which Berlin sees as a possible “prelude” to a larger conflict.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
Illustrative photo: Getty Images Source: “European Truth” with reference to the agency Bloomberg
Details: The document shows that Germany expects to be the first target of Russia’s covert hybrid attacks on energy and defense infrastructure. The document summarizes recommendations for cooperation between different levels of government and institutions in the event of a conflict with Moscow.
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“Only after an open armed attack on NATO’s eastern flank will Germany be increasingly exposed to threats or attacks with military means such as long-range missiles, armed drones and special forces,” the report said.
It states that the hybrid measures and attacks that have been discovered, especially those carried out in Germany, “should be seen as a tool deliberately used by Russia in its security policy and fight against the ‘collective West’.”
“At the same time, these measures can also serve as preparation for a military conflict,” the document says.
The wording goes beyond previous guidance and echoes a recent warning by Martin Jaeger, the new head of Germany’s BND foreign intelligence agency, who told lawmakers in October that Russia was determined to test Europe’s borders and could turn the conflict into a “hot confrontation” at any moment.
As stated in Germany’s national security strategy, the Ministry of Defense views Russia as “the biggest and most dangerous threat to Germany.”
The German Defense Ministry’s plan cites national and foreign intelligence that suggests Russia is seeking to develop capabilities and strategic options for waging and surviving a large-scale war against NATO.
“Even if Russia’s war against Ukraine continues without change, it is expected that Russia will develop these capabilities and strategic options by 2029 at the latest. However, Russia continues to see the need to limit any potential conflict to this region, that is, to avoid direct military confrontation with the United States,” the document added.
We will remind:
- European Defense Commissioner Andrus Kubilius stated in November that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin may order an attack on one of the NATO states within the next 2-4 years, and one of the most likely targets of Russia may be the Baltic states.
- Recently, the Director General of the Department of Foreign Intelligence of Estonia, Kaupo Rosin, stated that Russia really sees a threat in the rearmament of Europe and is concerned about it, so it is trying to slow down the pace of these processes.