According to Stefan Meister, a Russia expert from the German Institute for International Affairs (DGAP), the recent alleged attacks against Germany suggest that Russia already views itself as being in a war with Europe. Meister told the “Rheinische Post” that, “For Moscow, there are no more red lines. It is prepared to kill in order to weaken support for Ukraine.”
The attacks targeting managers of defense companies were allegedly premeditated. Meister, who leads the Centre for Order and Governance in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia at the DGAP, asserted that these incidents are no longer merely a hybrid attack, but rather a form of warfare, indicating that “Russia sees itself at war with Europe and Germany.”
The expert emphasized that Germany and the wider EU/NATO community needs to adopt a more coordinated response to deter further escalation. Specifically, Meister stated, “Article 4 would be the next escalation level and should be invoked following further attacks.” He added that everything Russia is doing is designed to create uncertainty and weaken Germany’s functioning.
Furthermore, Meister noted that Russia’s actions must be viewed within the context of the elections in Saxony-Anhalt, explaining that Moscow has an interest in the AfD coming into power, as this would further split German politics and society. Overall, the aim, he continued, is to generate insecurity among the German population and undermine public and political support for Ukraine.
