Leading German politicians are urgently calling on the federal government to respond decisively to a new wave of hybrid attacks originating from Russia.
Sebastian Fiedler, the Social Democratic Party’s (SPD) parliamentary spokesperson, stated to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” that the situation regarding Russia’s hybrid warfare against both the European Union and Germany is acutely serious. He insisted it is time that Vladimir Putin realizes his aggression has tangible consequences. Fiedler also urged implementing stronger defenses, adding that they plan to definitively block Russia’s “shadow fleet” off German shores in coordination with European partners following the summer recess.
The Green Party in the Bundestag is also demanding greater determination. Konstantin von Notz, a Green politician and member of the Parliament’s Intelligence Oversight Committee, warned that for many months, espionage, sabotage, and extensive influence operations have been routine. However, he stressed that the current escalation-including the targeting of drones with explosives, planned assassination attempts against German business figures, and open threats against Germany and Europe-requires an immediate and firm political response from the federal government.
At the state level, leaders are calling for a significant increase in defense measures. Andy Grote, an SPD senator from Hamburg and currently chair of the Interior Ministers Conference, noted that German states must prepare for the intensification of hybrid tactics, which range from disinformation and cyberattacks to weapon and explosives-based assaults. These attacks aim to undermine public confidence, destabilize society, and weaken support for Ukraine. He emphasized the vital importance of strengthening defensive capabilities with utmost resolve.
Evidence of this escalated threat is already emerging. In early August, Leipzig Airport narrowly avoided a catastrophe after a suspected explosive drone attack, despite the airport being a key hub for support directed toward Ukraine. Furthermore, it was recently revealed that a secret arms depot near Berlin was allegedly implicated in Russian attack plans. On another front, Moscow is currently attempting to influence the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt using targeted false information. The domestic security service (Verfassungsschutz) attributes this influence campaign to the “Storm 1516” network, which is tied to the Russian GRU intelligence service.
