New German intelligence chief warns of Putin's plans
Martin Jäger, head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (photo: Getty Images)
Vladimir Putin is ready to test Europe's borders and could provoke a "hot confrontation" at any moment, said Martin Jäger, the new president of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), Bloomberg reports.
He told lawmakers in Berlin that Moscow's actions are aimed at undermining NATO, destabilizing European democracies, dividing societies, and intimidating the population.
"The hybrid means Russia uses to achieve this are now ubiquitous. The frequency of these individual incidents represents a new level of confrontation — a confrontation in which Russia regards us as an adversary and a belligerent party," Jäger noted.
Danger of a 'hot confrontation'
According to him, Russia masks its intentions, "but in reality it is aiming to test our borders."
"At best, there is a frosty peace in Europe, which could turn into hot confrontation here and there at any moment. We must prepare ourselves for further escalations," he said.
During the annual hearing of the presidents of the federal intelligence services, Jäger warned that "our adversary knows no rest or respite, and we cannot afford to sit back and assume that a possible Russian attack will not come until 2029 at the earliest."
According to him, Germany is already under fire today.
Need for decisive action
"At the same time, restraint and leniency are interpreted as weakness by our opponents, such as Russia — we must draw the right conclusions from this," said the head of the BND.
Jäger stated the need to confront adversaries where necessary. "To this end, we will take higher risks in a controlled and consistent manner," he said.
Jäger hinted that the new approach could provoke a reaction from German society. "In addition to social acceptance, this requires the support and trust of politicians and legislators. Together, we must adapt the BND Act to the realities of our new era," he added.
Earlier, Ukraine's military intelligence stated that Russia considers a large-scale war in Europe inevitable in the medium term. The Kremlin has already formalized the corresponding plans in official strategic documents approved by Putin.
According to the head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, Russia is allocating funds for preparations for a major war – the most extensive armament program.
