Friedrich Merz warns of comprehensive threat to Germany from Russia and domestic radicals

Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz emphasised that the country faces multidimensional challenges, combining internal instability due to the activities of extremist forces and external pressure, particularly from the Russian Federation.

The issue of protecting freedom and security

As reported by DW, the head of the German government formulated the key problem in the form of a question: “How do we protect our freedom and security in Europe in the face of growing threats — both from extremists within the country and from foreign states from outside?” (How do we protect our freedom and security in Europe in the face of growing threats — both from extremists within the country and from foreign states from outside?)

Merz added that the Russian Federation is trying to “destabilise the situation in Germany every day” (destabilise the situation in Germany every day).

Context of heightened readiness

Germany remains one of the largest military and political allies of Ukraine. In recent months, the federal republic has been in a state of heightened readiness for possible sabotage acts.

The situation became particularly acute after the incident at Leipzig airport, where an unmanned aerial vehicle with explosives was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane. In Berlin, it was officially stated that Moscow is behind this attempted attack.

New cases of suspected espionage

On Thursday, 23 October, police in the German state of Brandenburg detained a Ukrainian citizen suspected of espionage in favour of the Russian Federation.