Ahead of the scheduled meeting between Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, a senior German official has cautioned against continued aggressive actions originating from Russia and highlighted concerns regarding espionage activities targeting Germany.
Speaking to Bild, Thorsten Frei, Head of the German Chancellery, emphasized the multifaceted nature of the threats facing the nation. “The danger doesn’t only come from a foreign army; we are also being attacked in the cyber space” he stated, adding that deliberate disinformation campaigns online are actively being used to foster societal division. Frei further indicated that Germany is a consistent target of intelligence gathering, both through digital means and traditional espionage methods, characterizing these actions as a form of warfare.
As a consequence, Frei asserted the need for Germany to strengthen its defense capabilities. “We must make our Bundeswehr [German Armed Forces] so strong that no one dares to attack us” he explained. He also advocated for a substantial expansion of Germany’s security agencies, including the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), the country’s foreign intelligence service. “We need appropriate reconnaissance to know where and how Germany or our allies are threatened” he said.
While acknowledging the BND is already adequately resourced, Frei indicated there is room for improvement, particularly regarding its digital capabilities and legal authorities. He emphasized the need to enhance these areas to proactively address emerging threats and safeguard national security.