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German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Sunday warned of growing threats from Russia, including hybrid attacks that could include cyberattacks, manipulation through social media and support for far-right and populist parties, dpa reports.
“Putin is actively conducting hybrid attacks, and Germany is in his special focus,” Pistorius told the Funke press group. The minister warned that ignoring these threats would not reduce them, but rather increase the risks for the country.
“Putin knows us well and knows how to hurt us,” he added, stressing that hybrid attacks could affect not only cybersecurity but also energy infrastructure and violations of German airspace.
Pistorius also drew attention to the threats posed by social media propaganda, which can influence election campaigns and the financing of extremist political forces such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and Sachra Wagenknecht’s populist alliance. He stressed that part of Putin’s strategy is to destabilise and split German society.
“We must do everything we can to stop this strategy from succeeding,” he stressed.
Commenting on the country’s military situation, Pistorius said that Germany is on the right track. This year, 97 major projects worth €58 billion were implemented, exceeding last year’s record. However, he also noted that the industrial base needs time to increase production capacity for weapons and ammunition, such as Leopard tanks and warships.
“Leopard tanks can only be delivered in two and a half years, while frigates and submarines take six to eight years to produce,” Pistorius explained. He added that it will take time and effort to close the gaps that have accumulated over the past 30 years.
