News · Eurasia

German Intelligence Chief Warns of Undeclared Shadow War with Russia

Martin Jäger, head of German intelligence, has raised concerns about Russia's ongoing hybrid tactics targeting Germany, including sabotage and political interference, indicating a potential escalation in conflicts.

SecurityDiplomacy
05 OCT 2026 · The Consulo · 2 min read

The head of Germany's foreign intelligence service (BND), Martin Jäger, recently cautioned that Russia is waging an undeclared shadow war against Germany. Jäger characterized this conflict as involving hybrid sabotage and political interference, which poses a growing threat to Germany and its NATO allies.

This warning aligns with a broader context of increasing tensions in Europe, with Jäger noting that NATO countries must remain vigilant against tactics such as the use of 'little green men'—a term associated with unmarked military personnel typically used in hybrid warfare.

The Consulo analysis indicates that the emphasis on Russia's shadow war reflects a significant shift in Germany's assessment of security threats. The implications of this acknowledgment may spur a reevaluation of Germany's defense posture and its engagement in NATO collective security measures.

Sources