Podcast: Russian Attacks in the Black Sea Threaten German Economy and Security
In a Politico Germany podcast, maritime security expert Dr. Moritz Brake explains how Russian actions in the Black Sea and Baltic Sea affect Germany. He also examines why the German armed forces are often legally limited against Russian "shadow fleet" vessels.
In the Sunday security edition of Politico Germany's "Berlin Playbook" podcast, journalist Rixa Fürsen speaks with maritime security expert Dr. Moritz Brake about Russian attacks in the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea. The episode highlights that such actions challenge Western security structures and directly affect the German economy.
According to the programme, 90 percent of global goods trade moves by sea. The producers argue that this is where Russia is waging targeted hybrid warfare, meaning the use of a mix of methods rather than only direct military action against an adversary. When merchant ships are targeted and global supply chains break, the effects reach the German economy and fuel prices at the pump.
A small navy and legal limits
The episode notes that Germany, as an export nation, depends heavily on safe sea routes, yet has the smallest navy in its history. Brake analyses why German forces are often legally powerless against Russian "shadow fleet" vessels and sanctions evaders. The programme asks how this gap can be closed before the next stage of escalation is reached.
Societal resilience
The episode also addresses how societies cope with crises. Its makers say the illusion of absolute security is over and that the call for resilience is more than a political slogan. Sweden is presented as an example of a population preparing for crises both mentally and in practical terms.
The "Berlin Playbook" podcast is released every morning from 5 a.m. It is produced by Rixa Fürsen, Maximilian Stascheit and the POLITICO team.
