Berlin has sharply condemned Russia, accusing its military intelligence agency, the GRU, of direct involvement in the debilitating cyberattack on the German air traffic control authority, Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), which occurred in August 2024. Simultaneously, the government asserts with high confidence that Russia is orchestrating the “Storm 1516” disinformation campaign, aimed at undermining democratic processes, including potentially influencing future Bundestag elections through targeted propaganda.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office, delivering the accusations in Berlin on Friday, stated that the campaigns’ primary objective is to erode public trust in Germany’s democratic institutions and electoral integrity. The methods employed are described as increasingly sophisticated, including the deployment of deepfake technology and the creation of pseudojournalistic online platforms intended to disseminate false narratives. “Russia is directly threatening our security with these actions” the spokesperson declared, adding that irrefutable evidence supports these assertions, though much of it remains classified.
The accusations, reportedly stemming from intelligence gathered by German security services, have prompted a formal summons for the Russian ambassador to Berlin. The German government is preparing to implement reciprocal measures, coordinating with EU partners to impose stricter limitations on Russian diplomatic personnel beginning in January 2026. These restrictions will include intensified border controls for Russian diplomats and other staff traveling within the Schengen Area.
While the government refrained from detailing the precise nature of the evidence, the unprecedented severity of the accusations signals a significant escalation in tensions between Berlin and Moscow, raising questions about the long-term ramifications for diplomatic relations and Germany’s broader security posture. Critics argue the delayed public disclosure of evidence weakens the impact of the condemnation and potentially leaves the nation vulnerable to further covert operations. Concerns have also been raised about the preventative nature of the diplomatic restrictions, highlighting challenges in balancing national security with the fundamental principles of diplomatic exchange.