Russian Special Services Increase Aggression in Europe, Says Head of German Federal Service

German Intelligence Warns of Increased Aggression from Russian Special Services

Berlin – The head of the Federal Service for the Protection of the German Constitution, Thomas Haldenwang, has issued a warning about the future actions of Russia’s special services in Europe. Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Haldenwang stated that Russia is likely to act more aggressively and may even change the way its special services operate.

Haldenwang highlighted several concerning activities that Russia’s special services may engage in. “This includes the activities of intelligence officers with false passports, as well as the increase in hacker attacks up to sabotage,” he said. He further emphasized that the Russian special services employ traditional espionage methods, sometimes resorting to extreme measures such as killing or kidnapping individuals, including oppositionists and defectors. Haldenwang described this approach as a “very rude style.”

The German intelligence chief’s remarks come amid growing tensions between Russia and Germany. On May 13, it was announced that Germany would be providing a new 2.7 billion euro military aid package to Ukraine, marking the largest supply since the beginning of the conflict. Ahead of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Germany’s Finance Minister, Olaf Scholz, also labeled Russia as a threat to the entire world.

In response to the escalating situation, Germany has decided to close four out of five consulates of the Russian Federation, as well as its own consulates in Russia. These measures reflect the increasing concerns over Russia’s actions and the need to protect national security.

The warning from the head of the Federal Service for the Protection of the German Constitution serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by Russia’s special services. As Europe braces for potential aggression, it remains to be seen how countries will respond to this evolving threat.

How are Germany and other European countries responding to the concerns raised by the head of the Federal Service for the Protection of the German Constitution regarding Russia’s special services

Berlin – In a recent press conference, Thomas Haldenwang, the head of the Federal Service for the Protection of the German Constitution, raised concerns about the future actions of Russia’s special services in Europe. Haldenwang warned that Russia is likely to exhibit more aggression and may alter its operational tactics.

Haldenwang specifically pointed out several worrisome activities that Russia’s special services may employ. These include the use of intelligence officers with false identities and an increase in hacker attacks, potentially even leading to acts of sabotage. He also highlighted that Russian special services resort to traditional espionage methods and may employ extreme measures such as assassinations or kidnappings, targeting individuals including oppositionists and defectors. Haldenwang described this approach as “very rude.”

These warnings come amidst escalating tensions between Russia and Germany. Concerns have been mounting, leading Germany to announce a significant 2.7 billion euro military aid package to Ukraine, marking the largest supply since the start of the conflict. Additionally, Germany’s Finance Minister, Olaf Scholz, has labeled Russia as a global threat ahead of the G7 summit in Hiroshima.

As a response to the increasing tensions, Germany has made the decision to close four out of five consulates of the Russian Federation, as well as its own consulates in Russia. These measures reflect the heightened concerns surrounding Russia’s actions and the imperative to safeguard national security.

The warning issued by the head of the Federal Service for the Protection of the German Constitution serves as a reminder of the persisting challenges posed by Russia’s special services. As Europe prepares for potential aggression, it remains to be seen how countries will respond to this evolving threat.