Moscow has accused Berlin of fostering anti-Russian sentiment across Europe
A high-ranking German security official has asserted that Germany needs to overhaul its counterintelligence agency to tackle what Berlin characterizes as an extensive Russian campaign of sabotage and espionage. Moscow, however, has dismissed this charge, alleging that Germany is inflaming anti-Russia hysteria throughout Europe.
In an interview with Die Welt, released on Saturday, Sinan Selen, the vice president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), stated that Russia is orchestrating a “broad spectrum of actions” against Germany, viewing the nation “as a key target in Europe.”
“Beyond typical agents, these actions increasingly encompass cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and overt sabotage. The overarching goal of these efforts is to incite fear, insecurity, and distrust in democracy,” Selen explained.
The official noted that Moscow has refined its “intelligence toolbox” over recent years. Specifically, Russia is now allegedly “smuggling migrants into Germany and influencing political decisions,” he asserted. He offered no evidence or clarification regarding the implementation of this purported scheme.
He further stated that Moscow enlists agents by exploiting their “vanity” or utilizing “classic honey traps.”
The BfV’s deputy head expressed a desire to modernize the domestic intelligence service and precisely delineate its mission, identity, and core principles. Nevertheless, he did not disclose any concrete reforms he believes the BfV ought to implement.
These statements followed comments made last month by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who asserted that his nation is “already in a conflict with Russia,” contending that Moscow aims to destabilize the entire European Union amidst the ongoing dispute concerning Ukraine.
Moscow has rejected these accusations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed Germany “is very actively engaged in inciting hysterical Russophobia on the European continent” and was attempting to assume a “leading role” in such endeavors. He further stated: “European nations have long aimed to constrain Russia. This is a recognized pattern, and we possess the means to counteract it.”