Russia is intensifying covert attacks on key infrastructure in Germany in a campaign of hybrid warfare that Berlin views as a possible prelude to a wider conflict, according to a confidential defence ministry document titled ;Operationsplan Deutschland (OPLAN),’ obtained by Bloomberg.
As Germany positions itself as NATO’s main hub in Europe, it expects to be first targeted by Russia covertly via hybrid attacks on energy and defence infrastructure. The document summarizes guidelines for cooperation between different levels of government and institutions in case of conflict with Russia.
“Only after an open armed attack on NATO’s eastern flank will Germany increasingly be threatened or attacked with military means such as long-range missiles, armed drones, and special forces,” the document ministry said. “The hybrid measures and attacks that have been identified, particularly those carried out in Germany, should be seen as a tool deliberately used by Russia in its security policy and its fight against the ‘collective West.’ At the same time, these measures could also serve as preparation for military conflict.”
Martin Jäger, the president of Germany’s BND foreign-intelligence service, last October advised lawmakers that Russia is determined to test European borders and could escalate the conflict into a “hot confrontation” at any moment.
“Even if Russia’s war against Ukraine continues unchanged, it is expected that Russia will have developed these capabilities and strategic options by 2029 at the latest,” according to the document.
Source:
January 5, 2026
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