Germany risks being drawn into a violent conflict with Russia as Moscow intensifies what German intelligence officials describe as a growing “shadow war” against European democracies, the head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service has warned. Martin Jaeger, president of the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), issued the warning on Monday during an annual public hearing of Germany’s intelligence chiefs before lawmakers. He said the confrontation with Russia had entered a “new, more dangerous dimension” and that the threat was becoming increasingly direct.

Jaeger specifically pointed to the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August as an example of the risks facing Germany. “Germany is in danger of becoming embroiled in a violent conflict with Russia,” he told lawmakers, adding that the Leipzig incident was only one example. German authorities have accused Russia of responsibility for the attempted attack after investigators found an explosives-laden drone at the airport on August 4. Berlin said its security assessments and evidence pointed to Russian involvement.

The incident has become a major part of Germany’s broader concerns over alleged Russian hybrid operations in Europe. German officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of using methods including cyberattacks, sabotage and drone operations to put pressure on European governments and undermine support for Ukraine. Berlin said the Leipzig incident followed a pattern associated with previous Russian hybrid operations. Germany subsequently announced measures against Russian institutions and individuals, including tighter entry controls for Russian citizens and additional diplomatic measures.

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Jaeger said Russia was increasingly treating Germany as a main adversary and warned that Moscow was closely observing how Berlin responds to such incidents. He argued that any perceived hesitation could encourage further pressure. The BND chief also described the threat from Russia as direct and concrete, while stressing that Germany had not sought the confrontation. His assessment comes as European governments remain concerned that Russia’s war in Ukraine could increasingly spill into other forms of confrontation involving NATO members.

Moscow has rejected accusations that it intends to attack NATO countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that Russia was not threatening anyone and had no intention of attacking any country in the coming years. At the same time, Putin said Moscow would respond if Russia itself were subjected to aggression. The Kremlin has also rejected German allegations over the Leipzig incident, creating a sharp divide between the two sides over responsibility and intent.

Jaeger’s warning comes as Germany and its European allies reassess security arrangements amid the continuing war in Ukraine. German officials have increasingly framed cyber operations, sabotage and other covert activities as part of a broader security challenge rather than isolated incidents. While the BND chief’s comments do not mean that a direct Germany-Russia war is imminent, they underline Berlin’s assessment that the risk of escalation has become more serious and that Germany could face greater pressure as its support for Ukraine continues.

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