Merz: Putin wages hybrid war - Germany must be vigilant!

Merz: Putin wages hybrid war - Germany must be vigilant!

In the current political debate about the threats to which Germany is exposed to, CDU chairman Friedrich Merz urged: "He wages a hybrid war against all of us." This clear announcement to the Kremlin comes in times of increasing drone operations and cybernetic attacks that affect not only Germany, but all of Europe. Merz emphasizes that Germany recognizes the worrying developments and is preparing for solid defense. "We recognize the threat," said the politician, which affects the nerve of time, because the discussion about hybrid warfare is more topical than ever.

But what exactly is behind this concept? Where are the weaknesses that Putin exploits? Loud Br.de If the assignment of hacker attacks is often uncertain, but there are clear indications of attacks that go to Russia's account. The debate is also fueled by the increasing hacker attacks from China. Particularly noteworthy is the attack on German air traffic control in 2022, which is clearly due to Russia. In addition, disinformation and fake social media profiles ensure that public perception is distorted, which should undermine support for Ukraine.

Role of the federal government

However, the federal government appears unable to respond adequately to these hybrid threats. A query from the FDP on the subject was answered with vague statements about a “variety of measures”. Clearer answers and concrete strategies are needed because the risks of exerting influence, especially in the upcoming federal elections, are alarming. This assessment is further fueled by the ominous activities of suspected spies, such as the three people who observed a US military training area in Grafenwöhr. A prime suspect is suspected to be a “proxy,” showing that threat actors can often come from unexpected directions.

Difficulties in identifying such threats also represent themselves due to the increasing drone overflows. Hundreds of reports about unauthorized overforgins about Bundeswehr properties ensure concern and show that Germany is in a vulnerable position. Experts such as Nico Lange therefore call for more freedom of action for the Bundeswehr, especially with regard to dealing with drones. A current draft law stipulates that security forces are allowed to shoot drones under certain conditions in order to counter a possible threat.

Global developments

The international situation is also worrying. From the perspective of journalists such as Reinhard Bingener and Markus Wehner, authoritarian states are increasingly leading hybrid warfare. In your book, examples of such practices are listed. For example, there were alleged Russian drones that violated Polish airspace and similar incidents in Denmark and Norway. Another alarming incident concerned the North Stream pipeline, for which a suspect was arrested in Poland.

In summary, it can be said that Germany, both at a national and international level, has to take a serious look at the security situation. Preparations for hybrid threats must be reinforced in order to protect both the integrity of German democracy and support for Ukraine.