German intelligence warns of new Russian intelligence tactics

Russian secret services have stepped up and changed their espionage tactics in Germany, according to an annual report published by the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) on Thursday, reported dpa.

According to MAD, the Ukraine war and in particular the military aid that Germany provides to Ukraine has become a central target of Russian intelligence operations. This includes supply routes for weapons and ammunition, battle tactics, and sabotage.

"For the Russian side, it is crucial to obtain information that gives their own armed forces an advantage on the battlefield," the report said.

The capabilities of the German army have increasingly become the target of Russian intelligence services, the report said.

"In addition, reconnaissance and possible sabotage of critical infrastructure and important defence facilities in Germany remain a threat that continues to be taken seriously," the report said.

MAD president Martina Rosenberg says in the report that "together, we face the great task of strengthening our ability to counter existing threats ... The central goal is to make the Bundeswehr fit for war."

The Cologne-based MAD is the smallest of the German intelligence services and is part of the Defence Ministry.

It is tasked with protecting the armed forces from espionage, defending against extremists and conducting security checks on soldiers and civilian employees.