Germany sees Russia's hybrid attacks as preparation for large-scale conflict – Bloomberg
Russia is stepping up attacks on Germany's key infrastructure as part of a hybrid warfare campaign that Berlin views as possible preparation for a large-scale conflict.
Germany's Ministry of Defense stated this in a report titled "Operationsplan Deutschland" (OPLAN), cited by Bloomberg, according to Ukrinform.
The document notes that since Germany positions itself as NATO's main hub in Europe, it expects to become the primary target of Russia's covert hybrid attacks on energy and defense infrastructure.
"The hybrid measures and attacks that have been identified, particularly those carried out in Germany, should be seen as a tool deliberately used by Russia in its security policy and its fight against the 'collective West.' At the same time, these measures could also serve as preparation for military conflict," the document says
The report cites assessments by national and foreign intelligence services indicating that Russia seeks to develop capabilities and strategic options to wage and survive a large-scale war against NATO. In the event of a conventional Russian attack on NATO's eastern flank, Germany is not expected to be a frontline state or the site of direct ground combat, the ministry said.
"However, Russia will do everything in its power to prevent or at least hinder the deployment of NATO forces on the eastern flank for the purposes of deterrence and, if necessary, defense. However, Russia continues to see the need to limit any potential conflict to the region, i.e. to avoid direct military confrontation with the US," the statement says.
This assessment coincides with a recent warning by the new head of Germany's foreign intelligence service, the BND, Martin Jaeger, who in October said that Russia is determined to test Europe's borders and could at any moment turn the conflict into a "hot confrontation".
As stated in Germany's national security strategy, the Ministry of Defense considers Russia "the greatest and most immediate threat to Germany's security."
The ministry also concluded that Russia is deliberately identifying and studying potential weak points in cooperation between different levels of the German government, using hybrid measures.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense declined to comment on OPLAN, saying it is classified, but added that Russia has intensified covert attacks on infrastructure in Germany.
As Ukrinform previously reported, the parliamentary group of the Christian Social Union (CSU) in the Bundestag believes it is necessary to turn the Bundeswehr into the strongest conventional army in Europe in light of Russia's war against Ukraine and growing threats to European security.