According to the German Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD), Russia has ramped up its espionage efforts against Germany to undermine aid to Ukraine and influence Berlin’s internal politics. This poses a threat to the security of the country and its allies.
In the new annual report from the German Military Counterintelligence Service, detailed descriptions are provided of arms and ammunition supply routes, operational tactics in the war in Ukraine, and sabotage actions carried out by Russian special services. The report emphasizes that for Russia, obtaining information that would give its armed forces an advantage on the battlefield plays a crucial role. Moscow’s primary goal is to undermine Western support for Ukraine at all levels, especially military.
Currently, Russia’s efforts are focused on uncovering details about Germany’s military aid to Kyiv: transport routes for deliveries and the coordinates of Western weapon systems deployed in Ukraine.
According to the MAD report, the capabilities of the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, in defending Germany have once again become the focus of Russian intelligence. The document mentions potential sabotage against critical infrastructure and defense-related facilities in Germany. This remains a constant threat that should be taken seriously. MAD President Martina Rosenberg highlighted, “We all face a major task of strengthening our ability to defend against existing threats. The primary goal is to make the Bundeswehr combat-ready.”
Cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns have become one of Russia’s main tools in its fight against Germany and other Western countries. “We are seeing a significant increase in the number of cyberattacks targeting Germany’s key infrastructure,” reports a MAD representative. Russian hacker groups are targeting government institutions, particularly ministries coordinating military aid to Ukraine. One of the primary goals of such attacks is gaining access to classified information about weapons logistics and other military operations.
The purpose of these operations is to sow doubts among the German population about the necessity of supporting Ukraine, to create political tensions within the country, and to foster an environment conducive to pro-Russian sentiments.
In recent years, Russian diplomats, who are often intelligence agents, have attempted to establish contacts with influential political figures and organizations in Germany to promote alternative positions on sanctions and military support for Ukraine that align with the Kremlin’s interests. As reported by Deutsche Welle, “Russian intelligence services are actively seeking ways to influence German decisions through political and economic structures.”
The report also highlights a worrying trend of support for President Vladimir Putin’s aggressive policies among military personnel of Russian-German descent or those with Russian roots. Russian influence may manifest itself even within the ranks of Germany’s military structures.
Moscow seeks to influence Berlin’s political decisions and sow discord within society. It is important to note that such actions by Russia raise concerns not only in Berlin but across the European Union.
In response, Germany, along with other European countries, is stepping up security measures and counterintelligence efforts. European nations have repeatedly expressed their commitment to combating Russian espionage on their soil to protect their interests and support Ukraine in its fight for independence.
