Germany's intelligence chief Martin Jaeger warns of violent conflict with Russia

On October 5, 2026, Martin Jaeger, head of Germany's foreign intelligence service (BND), told lawmakers in Berlin that Germany is at risk of entering a violent conflict with Russia. He cited an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport in August as an example of Russia's aggressive hybrid warfare. Jaeger said Russia poses the most direct threat to Germany and that the danger of attacks remains real. He also noted that Russia's war against Ukraine is entering a more dangerous phase, with more brutal attacks expected in winter.