Russia accused of sabotage and espionage in Germany

A senior German security official has warned that the country’s counter‑intelligence service must be overhauled to counter what Berlin describes as a widespread Russian campaign of sabotage and espionage. Sinan Selen, vice president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, says Russia is directing a broad range of actions at Germany, viewing it as a key target in Europe. He claims Russian tactics include low‑level agents, cyber‑attacks, disinformation and outright sabotage, all intended to generate fear, insecurity and doubt about democracy.

Selen also alleges that Moscow has adapted its “intelligence toolbox” in recent years, now employing methods such as smuggling migrants into Germany and influencing political decisions. He adds that Russia recruits agents by exploiting their “vanity” or using classic “love traps.” These remarks follow German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s statement that Germany is “already in a conflict with Russia,” accusing Moscow of seeking to destabilise the entire European Union amid the standoff over Ukraine. The Kremlin has dismissed the allegations, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying Germany is participating in “whipping up hysterical Russophobia” across Europe.

Selen emphasized the need to modernise the domestic intelligence service, defining its mission, identity and guiding principles more clearly. He did not, however, specify particular reforms he believes should be adopted. The German government’s concerns about Russian sabotage and espionage underscore the ongoing tensions between Russia and the European Union, especially in the context of the Ukraine conflict. Allegations of Russian interference in Germany’s affairs have significant implications for national security and for Germany’s relationships with other European nations.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Germany will respond to these perceived threats and what measures it will take to strengthen its counter‑intelligence capabilities. The German government’s efforts to address these concerns will likely be closely watched by other European countries, many of which face similar challenges in countering Russian sabotage and espionage.