In a series of mysterious events unfolding in Germany, holes have been found cut in army base fences, an alleged plot to assassinate Germany’s top weapons manufacturer has been uncovered, and phone taps on a high-level Luftwaffe call have been revealed. These incidents have put Germany on high alert for possible acts of Russian sabotage, as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate.
The recent events have raised concerns that Europe may be slipping into a new Cold War. Mark Galeotti, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, compares the current situation to the early Cold War era of the 1950s and 1960s, describing it as a much rawer time.
The most shocking revelation came when US officials informed Berlin of an alleged Russian plot to kill the chief executive of Germany’s biggest arms company, Rheinmetall. The Kremlin denied the report, but German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned Russia for “waging a hybrid war of aggression.”
Further security breaches, including eavesdropping on sensitive conversations and suspected sabotage of US military facilities, have heightened concerns about Germany’s vulnerability to foreign interference. The discovery of holes in the fences of water facilities supplying military bases has raised fears of contamination.
As Germany grapples with these security threats, the government is working on a new law to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure. The Kritis Umbrella Act will require operators in sectors such as energy, transport, and water to follow minimum security standards.
With Germany’s involvement in supporting Ukraine and plans for the US to station long-range missiles in the country, the geopolitical landscape is rapidly evolving. As Berlin works to bolster its defense capabilities and counterintelligence measures, the question remains: how long can Germany withstand the pressure of potential foreign threats?
