German intelligence agency, the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), played a pivotal role in averting a collapse of Germany’s energy supply in the winters prior to and following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) acknowledged to “Welt am Sonntag” that the BND’s detailed and accurate assessments were a crucial basis for the German government’s decisions, which successfully prevented a gas shortage.
According to reports in “Welt am Sonntag” BND experts closely advised the government as Russia significantly reduced and ultimately halted gas deliveries. They reportedly prepared concrete proposals, including the rapid chartering of a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal from Norway. Sources within the paper suggest that without these insights, Germany would have faced a considerably worsened energy crisis.
The BND declined to comment on the report when contacted, citing its obligation to maintain secrecy.