Germany will step up pressure on Russia and its support for Ukraine
Berlin is preparing a series of measures in response to the Russian drone attack near the Leipzig/Halle Airport. Some of the planned steps will be aimed directly at strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Germany plans to increase the volume of military and intelligence assistance to Kyiv. Specifically, this involves supplying additional weapons, providing intelligence, and supporting Ukraine in identifying the coordinates of military targets on Russian territory.
In this way, Berlin intends to simultaneously increase pressure on Moscow and expand the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
According to journalists, strengthening Ukraine’s position in the war against Russia will be one of the components of Berlin’s new approach. German authorities are preparing a series of measures following the Russian drone attack on the Leipzig/Halle Airport.
In particular, Berlin plans to transfer thousands of attack drones to Ukraine as early as September. Kyiv is also set to receive missiles for the Iris-T air defense systems.
At the same time, Germany is committed to deepening cooperation between German and Ukrainian intelligence services. According to the publication’s sources within the German government, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s team plans to assist Ukraine in identifying target coordinates for counterattacks on Russian territory.
However, Berlin’s plans are not limited to military and intelligence assistance for Ukraine. German authorities also intend to expand the capabilities of their own intelligence services in countering hostile operations.
According to Der Spiegel’s sources, the Bundestag may soon pass a law on intelligence agencies that would expand the range of “active measures” available to them to counter hostile attacks.
In particular, agents of the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) may be granted broader powers to counter cyberoperations. They may be allowed to access enemy computers and servers and delete stolen information.
Another tool could be German intelligence’s intervention in supply chains. Specifically, intelligence agencies will be able to replace individual components in shipments destined for hostile states.
Germany also intends to increase sanctions pressure on Moscow at the European Union level. According to the publication, Merz’s team will push for the adoption of new, tougher restrictions against Russia.
One of Berlin’s priorities will be combating Russia’s “shadow fleet.” German authorities will also demand tighter controls on the entry of Russian citizens into European Union countries.
This is reported with reference to Der Spiegel.
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