German intelligence: Russia could attack NATO by 2030

Bruno Kahl, the head of the BND's foreign intelligence service, warned that Russia is likely to step up efforts to hamper Ukraine's Western partners and attack NATO by 2030.

Here's What We Know

Germany is the second largest donor of aid to Ukraine after the United States. Consequently, the country is becoming an increasingly large target of Russia's espionage and sabotage activities.

"Whether we like it or not, we are in direct confrontation with Russia," Bruno Kahl, head of the BND's foreign intelligence service, said at a parliamentary hearing.

President Vladimir Putin's long-term goal was to weaken the West, Kahl said, while a military clash with NATO "was becoming an option for Russia."

"In terms of manpower and materiel, the Russian armed forces will probably be able to launch an attack on NATO by the end of the decade at the latest," Kahl said.

The heads of Germany's domestic and military intelligence were also present at the Bundestag hearing.

"Russian espionage and sabotage in Germany is increasing, both in quality and quantity," said Thomas Galdenwang, the head of domestic intelligence.

Galdenwang also said that Russia is involved in disinformation campaigns. In addition, it has deployed drones to spy on critical German infrastructure and is recruiting people, including from the world of organised crime.

Source: n-tv