German intelligence chief warns of Russian escalation, with no major NATO attack plan identified

Germany’s foreign intelligence chief Martin Jäger warned lawmakers on Monday that the country risked being drawn into violent conflict with Russia. The Bundestag’s account of the hearing records his assessment that Moscow is increasing pressure on Germany and Europe as the war in Ukraine continues.

What the warning does — and does not — say

Jäger’s assessment is a warning about risk. AFP reports that he said the BND currently sees no indication of plans for a major Russian military attack on a NATO member. He nevertheless raised the possibility of smaller operations, particularly in the Baltic states, intended to test the alliance’s response.

Infrastructure in focus

The parliamentary report also records domestic intelligence chief Sinan Selen’s warning that transport, defence companies and military infrastructure face threats. He accused Russia of expanding activity beyond espionage to sabotage and potential killings. These are the German services’ assessments; AFP notes that Moscow has denied Germany’s accusations of a hybrid campaign.

Why the hearing matters

The public session brought the heads of Germany’s three federal intelligence services before their parliamentary oversight body. It puts their assessment of European security on the record, without establishing that a wider war is inevitable or that the scenarios they described have already occurred.