German leaders, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, now believe that Russia is already fighting a kind of quiet war against Germany and its allies. It’s not just about preparing for a big war in the future, but about what’s happening right now.
This new way of thinking comes from a secret report by Germany’s main spy agency. Before, they thought a major attack from Russia might not happen until 2029. But now, the spy agency and top army leaders are worried that waiting for that date makes everyone too relaxed. They think Russia is already using sneaky tricks, like cutting underwater cables and spying on military bases, to see if the NATO alliance is strong and unified.
Because of this new information, the German government is planning to spend a lot more on its military by 2029. Their message to the public has also changed: they now say that Russia is a real threat in the present, not just a problem for the future.
Source: Gebauer, M., & Krüger, P. (2025, 9 julio). a-66c25d03-9202m-4598-8f39-e5801d42d1ee. DER SPIEGEL, Hamburg, Germany.