Bundeswehr admits Germany was slow to realize scale of Russian hybrid attacks

Marahrens, who represents the Center for Digitalization and Capability Development of the Bundeswehr Cyber and Information Domain Command, admitted that Germany was quite late in acknowledging that it was being targeted by hybrid attacks from Russia.

"But I would say that over the past year and a half to two years, we have seen a shift at the political level as well," he highlighted.

German intelligence agencies are increasingly and openly informing citizens about the changing security environment.

The colonel added that hybrid attacks are not limited to drone incursions. According to him, they also involve disinformation spread within German society.

"This includes the exploitation of the political and judicial systems, and the concept of 'disposable agents,'" the colonel underscored.

One of the most visible manifestations of hybrid activity in recent years, Marahrens pointed out, has been flights of unidentified drones over critical infrastructure facilities.

Separately, Bundeswehr representative emphasized that Germany is carefully studying the Ukrainian experience in countering Russian aggression.

On March 26, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated in his 2025 report that if Russia decides to attack NATO countries, one of the main targets will be the energy sector (which has already been proven by Russia's war against Ukraine).

On April 14, Russian State Duma authorized dictator Vladimir Putin to deploy troops to foreign states under the pretext of "protecting the rights of Russian citizens" (particularly in the event of their arrest and trial).

On May 15, Bundeswehr Inspector General Carsten Breuer stated that Russia could be ready to attack NATO territory by 2029, though it could happen even sooner.