BND Chief Warns of Russian Hybrid Threats to NATO and German Elections

Bruno Kahl predicts rising risks of Russian military confrontation with NATO by the end of the decade and potential meddling in Germany's upcoming elections.

German intelligence chief Bruno Kahl warns of increasing Russian hybrid attacks targeting NATO and Germany, including attempts to influence public opinion and elections.
Kahl predicts that Russia could be militarily prepared for a potential confrontation with NATO by the late 2020s, focusing on undermining the alliance rather than large-scale land invasions.
The BND assesses that Russia aims to test NATO's mutual defense commitments, potentially through limited provocations such as territorial disputes in the Baltics or Arctic regions.
Russian leadership is reportedly skeptical about NATO's unity and U.S. commitment under Article 5, raising risks of future escalations.
Kahl also highlights concerns about Russian efforts to exploit societal divisions in Germany, particularly around issues like climate and COVID-19, to influence February's Bundestag elections.

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung