Overview
- German investigators say a drone found near the Wunstorf airbase in mid-September resembled a sprengstoff‑equipped device used in a failed attack at Leipzig/Halle in August 2026, and the Bundeskriminalamt recovered a nearby canister with high explosive.
- In a newly circulated internal assessment the Bundeswehr has for the first time classified the sabotage threat as “erheblich,” the second‑highest level, and it says bases and personnel will get stronger protective measures.
- The analysis says Russia is judged to have the capability and is now very likely to have an increased intent to target Bundeswehr facilities and Ukraine‑related assets in Germany to weaken public and political support for Kiev.
- A large drone strike on St. Petersburg on October 18 hit oil depots, a bridge, an Ozon logistics hub and a VK data center, causing fires and at least one civilian death while state TV gave only minimal coverage.
- Officials warn the shift raises the risk of near‑term escalation, likely tighter intelligence sharing and more visible security at German sites, and it could complicate training, logistics and political support for Ukraine if sabotage succeeds.