Head of the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) Bruno Kahl
The head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), Bruno Kahl, has warned of an increase in the intensity of Russia’s hybrid attacks on Germany and NATO. According to him, Moscow’s main goal is to test the stability of the Alliance and its possible split, DPA reports.
Speaking at an event of the German Foreign Policy Society in Berlin, Kahl noted that Russian officials seem to doubt the effectiveness of NATO’s mutual defence principles and the US strategic deterrence in Europe.
“At the moment, there is no concrete evidence of Russia’s intentions to start a war. However, if such ideas become dominant in the Kremlin, the risk of a military conflict in the coming years will increase significantly,” Kahl said.
He stressed that the Kremlin’s main goal is not territorial expansion, but the destruction of NATO as a defence alliance. According to him, Moscow is likely to use nuclear threats and other means of intimidation to sow doubts among the Allies about their mutual support.
Elections in the crosshairs
Russia is likely to try to interfere in the Bundestag elections scheduled for February 2024. Moscow’s influence has already been seen during this year’s regional elections in Germany, when it supported far-right and far-left political forces, Kahl noted.
“Germany’s problems, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or climate change, are analysed in the Kremlin, and social conflicts arising from these issues are actively fuelled,” the BND head added.
Increasing risks
According to German intelligence, Russia’s level of preparation for further escalation of the conflict has reached an unprecedented level. Kahl did not rule out the possibility of a direct military clash between Russia and NATO by the end of the decade, if the Kremlin decides to take such a step.
“Every year, the likelihood of escalation increases, and NATO may have to apply the principle of collective defence,” Kahl concluded.
German intelligence warns that Moscow’s actions are aimed at undermining trust between NATO members, which could create additional challenges for the security of the whole of Europe.
