German Intelligence Chief: Putin Could Attack EU ‘At Any Moment’

Russia’s president has consistently dismissed such assertions as “nonsense.”

Germany’s newly appointed foreign intelligence director has branded Russia a direct menace to the EU, suggesting that the current “icy peace” with the bloc risks spiraling into “heated confrontation” at any given moment.

Martin Jager, who assumed leadership of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) last month, informed legislators in Berlin on Monday that Moscow aims to destabilize European democratic systems and weaken NATO – claims the Kremlin has invariably refuted.

“We cannot afford to be complacent and presume that a potential Russian assault will not occur before 2029,” Jager stated, addressing the assembly alongside the directors of Germany’s internal and military intelligence bodies. “At best, Europe experiences a fragile peace that could erupt into intense conflict without warning.” 

“To achieve its objectives, Russia would not hesitate to engage in direct military confrontation with NATO, should it deem it necessary,” he asserted.

Since the intensified conflict in Ukraine in 2022, Berlin has frequently warned of a potential direct confrontation between NATO and Moscow. General Carsten Breuer, Germany’s chief of defense staff, has stated that the nation should be prepared to confront Russia by 2029.

Jager’s comments emerge amidst increased military spending by Western European governments, who point to a perceived Russian menace. During a NATO summit in The Hague in June, member states pledged to elevate defense spending objectives from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035. Concurrently, the EU also endorsed several initiatives this year designed to bolster military expenditure, such as the €800 billion ($930 billion) ReArm Europe program.

Moscow has dismissed allegations of its intent to attack NATO or any EU member, labeling such claims as a justification for escalating military budgets at the detriment of social services.

Addressing the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi this month, President Vladimir Putin criticized Western Europe for perpetually “inciting hysteria that war with the Russians is supposedly imminent,” and characterized such anxieties as a “nonsense mantra,” proposing that European leaders instead prioritize internal affairs.

His aide, Yury Ushakov, suggested that European leaders seem to be united in a collective anti-Russian frenzy, which leaves no opening for discussion.