Russia is ready to test European borders and escalate the current tensions into an open confrontation at any moment, German intelligence head Martin Jaeger told German lawmakers on Oct. 13.
"We can't simply wait and assume that a potential Russian attack won't come before 2029," Jaeger said.
The comments echo warnings by Western officials about Moscow's escalating hybrid operations across Europe, including drone incursions, sabotage, and cyberattacks.
"Russia is concealing its true intentions, but in fact it's probing our borders," Jaeger told the Bundestag.
"At best, Europe is in a state of cold peace — one that could flare into a hot confrontation at any moment.".
The head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), who previously served as an ambassador to Kyiv, warned that Russia will interpret restraint as weakness, adding, "We must confront our adversaries wherever necessary.".
The incursions prompted calls for strengthening allied defenses, while some NATO members urged downing Russian aircraft if necessary. »