Merz: Russia Seeks to Destabilize Germany Every Day

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Saturday, 24 October, that Germany faces threats ranging from extremist parties to external enemies, singling out the 'large-scale threat' from Russia. According to him, Russia seeks to 'destabilize Germany every day'.

The statements were reported by European Pravda, citing DW. Merz framed the issue as a question: how can Germany protect its freedom and security in Europe in the face of growing threats from extremists inside the country and from foreign powers.

Germany on alert for sabotage

Germany is one of Ukraine's biggest military and political allies and has been on heightened alert for acts of sabotage in recent months. That was especially so after a drone with explosives was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig airport. Berlin said Moscow was behind the attempted attack.

We previously examined how serious Russia's hybrid threat to Germany is.

Recent espionage arrests

In one of the latest incidents, which took place on Thursday, police in the German state of Brandenburg arrested a Ukrainian citizen on suspicion of spying for Russia. In early August, a 33-year-old Ukrainian was arrested in Germany on suspicion of spying on a defense company.

See more in our politics section.