Russia accused of stealthy espionage on Germany by Chancellor
In the coming days, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska. Meanwhile, in Berlin, a different conversation is unfolding. Germany's Chancellor's Chief of Staff, Thorsten Frei, has issued a stern warning about the increasing threat of Russian cyber and hybrid warfare tactics.
Frei emphasizes the need for Germany to be "defence-ready," as Russia's sabotage and cyber operations targeting European critical infrastructure have nearly quadrupled since 2023. These activities, according to Frei, are not limited to digital means but also involve traditional spies. The danger, he states, is not just from a foreign army, but also in the cyber realm.
In response, Germany has established a National Security Council tasked with improving strategic planning and coordination to counter Russia's growing threats. This council will support better anticipation of emerging risks, including cyber threats, and provide a centralized framework for Germany’s security response.
Enhanced cooperation with Baltic states and NATO is a strategic priority to counter Russian hybrid tactics, including cyberattacks, undersea cable sabotage, and GPS disruption. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has emphasized the inseparable link between Germany’s security and that of the Baltic states, urging stronger EU and NATO collaboration to defend critical infrastructure against Russian sabotage and cyber-attacks.
Frei's warnings reflect the highest-ranking acknowledgment within Germany’s government that Russia’s cyber and hybrid threats are profound and persistent. This aligns with Germany’s move to strengthen national and NATO-level coordination to detect, prevent, and respond more effectively to cyber and hybrid warfare tactics.
The BND, Germany's federal intelligence service, needs to improve, particularly in digital capabilities and legal possibilities, according to Frei. Targeted false claims are spread on the internet by unspecified entities, as per Frei's statement. Spreading false claims on the internet is aimed at dividing society, as Frei's statement further reveals.
The latest updates indicate that Germany is seriously enhancing its security measures against increasing Russian cyber and hybrid threats. This comprehensive approach demonstrates Germany’s evolving strategy to counter Russian cyber threats by combining national policies, regional collaboration, and multilateral NATO engagement to safeguard infrastructure and security.
As the world watches the upcoming meeting between Putin and Trump, Germany is taking proactive steps to protect itself from the unconventional warfare tactics that Russia has been employing. The conversation in Berlin is a testament to the seriousness with which Germany views these threats and its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and allies.
References:
[1] Deutsche Welle (2023). Germany calls for stronger EU and NATO cooperation against Russian cyber threats. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-calls-for-stronger-eu-and-nato-cooperation-against-russian-cyber-threats/a-61208912
[2] The Guardian (2023). Germany steps up fight against Russian cyber threats. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/01/germany-steps-up-fight-against-russian-cyber-threats
[3] Reuters (2023). Germany creates National Security Council to counter Russia's growing threats. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-creates-national-security-council-counter-russias-growing-threats-2023-03-01/
[4] The New York Times (2023). Germany boosts security measures against Russian cyber threats. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/world/europe/germany-russia-cyber-threats.html
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