Germany working on plan against Russian 'hybrid' threats

"Germany will develop a 'comprehensive action plan' to counter what it sees as low-level hybrid warfare waged by Russia, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday. The newly formed National Security Council would "in the coming days" hold its inaugural meeting to work on the plan, Merz told parliament. Referencing mysterious drone flights that have caused chaos at European airports, Merz charged that Russian President Vladimir Putin was subjecting Europe to "hybrid attacks"."

""We will defend ourselves against them now and in the future," Merz said. "That is why the National Security Council, which we have newly established, is developing a comprehensive action plan to defend against hybrid threats," he added. READ ALSO: Researchers are fine tuning drone defence at a secluded German airport Also accusing Russia of sabotage, cyber attacks and espionage, Merz drew applause when he told MPs that this concerned the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in particular."

""It is Russia that is trying to destabilise us in Germany and in Europe ever more ruthlessly with hybrid methods of war," Merz said. "With targeted disinformation, with espionage -- from your ranks, too," he said of lawmakers of the Moscow-friendly AfD. No AfD politician has been convicted of spying for Russia, but some have been accused of inappropriate links to the country."

Germany will develop a comprehensive action plan to counter low-level hybrid warfare attributed to Russia. The newly formed National Security Council will hold its inaugural meeting in the coming days to prepare the plan. Mysterious drone flights that disrupted European airports are cited as examples of hybrid attacks on Europe. The plan aims to defend against current and future hybrid threats including sabotage, cyber attacks, espionage and targeted disinformation. Concerns were raised about the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) regarding alleged inappropriate links and possible espionage ties. Prosecutors in Dresden opened an investigation into AfD deputy Maximilian Krah over reported foreign payments; he denies the allegations.

Read at The Local Germany