Russia's secret attacks: How Germany is threatened!

Russia's secret attacks: How Germany is threatened!

On Monday, September 22nd, a reading entitled “The Russia Network – How the Kremlin is attacking German democracy” will take place at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder). The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Gräfin Dönhoff building, room GD 102. The speaker is Dr. Susanne Spahn, a renowned Eastern European historian and political scientist. Her lecture highlights Russia's influence on political forces in Germany that represent pro-Russian positions and analyzes Moscow's strategies since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The topic is also considered in the context of the current geopolitical conflict, particularly with regard to Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. The focus is on aspects such as information warfare, disinformation, propaganda as well as acts of sabotage and cyber attacks that are intended to destabilize Western democracies. These findings are based on scientific analysis and personal experiences that Dr. Spahn shared in her book “The Russia Network – How I became an understanding of Russia and why I can no longer be one today”.

Hybrid warfare and acts of sabotage

Russia has increasingly carried out hybrid attacks on Germany in recent years. These include, among other things, espionage, sabotage, drone surveillance and disinformation, as reported by ZDF. Several incidents, including the damage to hundreds of cars in late winter by injecting construction foam into exhaust systems, point to possible Russian backgrounds. Security agencies in Europe have increased their vigilance to counter such threats since the start of the Ukraine war.

General Carsten Breuer, Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, says that hybrid attacks on Germany are now commonplace. Russia's tactics often remain below the threshold of military conflict, which prevents a reaction under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. Despite this cautious strategy, many in Germany are feeling the effects, be it through cyber attacks or through direct espionage-supported acts of sabotage, which are increasingly endangering critical infrastructure.

The Gerasimov Doctrine and its implications

Russia's hybrid warfare aims to combine military and non-military means. The so-called Gerasimov Doctrine describes this approach, which avoids the risk of open conflict. This strategy is primarily supported by Russia's military intelligence service GRU, which is also responsible for conducting secret operations. The GRU's Unit 29155 plays a key role in this and has made a name for itself in the past through sabotage, such as the attempted coup in Montenegro in 2016.

Russia's techniques, including disinformation and cyberattacks, have increased in complexity and frequency in recent years. Attacks on electoral processes, such as in the 2016 US elections, as well as the spread of fake videos in Germany illustrate the reach of these missions. Security circles are even reporting an increase in drone overflights over military installations and industrial areas to test the defense's reactions.

The upcoming reading will therefore not only serve as an academic examination of the topic, but also as an important platform for exchange between scientists, artists and journalists. Participation in the event is not only an indication of the increasing need for awareness of hybrid threats, but can also be seen as part of a broader discussion about the future of democratic institutions in Europe. Anyone interested can register by email to warsensing@europa-uni.de by September 15th.