• Russia is intensifying covert attacks on key infrastructure in Germany as a possible prelude to a wider conflict, according to a military document.
  • Germany expects to be targeted by Russia covertly via hybrid attacks on energy and defense infrastructure as it positions itself as NATO’s main hub in Europe.
  • The defense ministry views Russia as “the greatest and most immediate threat to Germany’s security” and says hybrid measures are a tool used by Russia in its security policy and fight against the “collective West”.

Archived version

“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,” the German defense ministry said.

The defense ministry plan … cited national and foreign intelligence that suggested Russia is seeking to develop capabilities and strategic options to wage and survive a large-scale war against NATO.

“However, Russia will do everything in its power to prevent or at least hinder the deployment of NATO forces on the eastern flank for the purposes of deterrence and, if necessary, defense,” it said.

The defense ministry concluded that Russia is deliberately targeting and exploring possible weak links in cooperation between different levels of German government with hybrid measures designed to unsettle citizens.

“The aim is to prevent the early detection of these hybrid measures and their actual extent and impact, and to slow down and paralyze our decision-making and response capabilities of the various responsible parties at federal, state and local level.”

  • N0t_5ure@lemmy.world
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    5 days ago

    They’re 100% right too! Europe needs to wake up and recognize that the U.S. has abdicated it’s role as the keeper of the world order, things are in flux, and they are already in a “cold war” with Russia. Every act of aggression, whether it’s psyops, hybrid attacks on infrastructure, or whatever needs to be met with retaliation. Russia needs to know there is a cost to its fuckery. As it stands, Russia is landing blow after blow with no repercussions. The time to worry about the niceties of cordial relations has passed. The time for action is now.

  • BoycottTwitter@lemmy.zip
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    4 days ago

    Russia has already being waging hybrid warfare against the West through a massive campaign of disinformation, bots and propaganda. In addition we do it to ourselves as well. In America we have so much propaganda, it’s insane. We have Fox News, Newsmax, so many conspiracy theorist podcast hosts like Alex Jones (who has ties to Russia), Joe Rogan and way more. We also have billionaires funding our elections and supporting Republicans. Of course Germany is a lot better than we are but they have the AfD which receives backing from Elon Musk. 30 years ago I guarantee you almost no American could predict we would have fallen so far and have a president who’s loyal to Russia instead of our country. Likely if you were to tell an American 30+ years ago about this they would explain why they are “exceptional” or different from other countries. But you can see we were wrong. Never assume it can’t happen where you are too.

    One key mistake which powered this all: how so many Americans fall for this is because we didn’t do nearly enough to stop it. Our education is underfunded and we don’t learn media literacy and civics. Now I ask will other countries repeat our mistake or will they take action?

    I urge you demand your politicians really strengthen and enhance your education system by adding media literacy and emotional skills like conflict resolution, emotional regulation, attention span and impulse control, give the next generation the skills needed to be resilient against Russia’s hybrid warfare against Europe. Public media can also step in and educate adults and there can be workshops and classes. Students should be urged to pass the skills they learn along to their parents and grandparents.

  • atro_city@fedia.io
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    5 days ago

    It’ll take a war for the conservative German government to invest in infrastructure. We live in crazy times. Maybe we should be thanking Putin because the German voters couldn’t get their government to invest in doodoo if it involved infrastructure. All Putin had to do was cut some cables and set some switch boxes on fire.

    • Melchior@feddit.org
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      5 days ago

      The funding of the German connection to the Fehrman-Belttunnel will be financed from the defense budget for example.

  • FreudianCafe@lemmy.ml
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    5 days ago

    The common factor in all those accusations against russia is the lack of concrete proof. Not that europe is prone to attacking russia every 70 years or so, just a coincidence