Khaberni - Germany fears Russian electronic interference in its local elections to be held next year.
Sinan Celine, the head of domestic intelligence in Germany, warned on Monday that Russia might increase its sabotage, disinformation, and cyber attack operations next year when Germany, which is considered the biggest economic power in the European Union and a major supporter of Ukraine, holds local elections.
In a speech in Berlin, Celine considered that Moscow particularly focuses on Germany as it is a major logistical center for NATO "NATO" on the continent.
In remarks made later to France Press, Celine said referring to the Russian media disinformation campaigns, "We have repeatedly seen that elections play a very significant role here, and as you know, we have elections in several states in Germany next year."
Western security agencies accuse Russia of being responsible for drone flights, sabotage operations, cyber attacks, and disinformation campaigns on the internet in Europe which have increased since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.
Celine reported in a speech marking 75 years since the founding of the domestic intelligence agency known as the "Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution" BfV "We are under attack here and now in Europe."
He clarified, "As a center for collective defense and support for Ukraine, Germany is targeted by Russian intelligence services more than other countries."
He continued, "Above all, Russia as a hybrid player is undoubtedly aggressive and offensive and seeks escalation. Its intelligence agencies employ a wide range of attack vectors from within their toolkit."
He noted that "Preparation and executing sabotage attacks in Germany and other European countries is a clear indicator of a very serious escalation for which the Kremlin is the main driver. There are no indicators of a possible reduction" of attacks soon.
Germany organizes 5 local elections next year, including in the former communist eastern regions where the far-right party "Alternative for Germany," which has friendly relations with Russia, hopes to make significant gains.
Speaking of hybrid threats, Celine noted that "every sector of society could be affected, and this is especially true in the coming year."
The course of the war in Ukraine could greatly affect Russia's movements, which Celine said is capable "of changing the intensity of its sabotage operations as it wishes."
He added, "This aggressive war is more than just a battle for Ukrainian territory; it is a test within the ongoing systemic conflict between autocracy and democracy in a complex and multipolar world."
