Germany reports daily hybrid attacks from abroad

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told newspapers "Bild" and "Sonntag" that although Germany is not directly involved in war, it faces hybrid warfare from foreign actors on a daily basis. He said foreign powers are trying to politically and socially subjugate Germany by spreading fear. According to Dobrindt, espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks and covert operations aimed at undermining Germany's stability or causing direct harm have become an everyday reality, though he did not name specific countries.

The remarks follow an incident at Leipzig airport, where an explosive-equipped drone was found on August 4. Several politicians have pointed to Russia as a possible culprit, but Russia's embassy in Berlin rejected the accusations on August 7, calling the Leipzig case a fabricated provocation.

Planned defense reinforcements

According to "Bild", citing government sources, the Interior Ministry wants to double the federal anti-drone defense unit from 150 to 300 experts and increase the number of corresponding bases from four to eight. Separately, Germany's armed forces reported on August 8 that two drones were spotted on August 6 over a military base in Mechernich, North Rhine-Westphalia.

Serbian president's remarks

Speaking on the German podcast MD MEETS, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Russia's "hybrid war" against European powers mirrors what Europe has done to Russia, pointing to Europe's arming of Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and financial support for Kyiv. Still, he stressed that Ukraine did not start the war and that the victim should not be confused with the aggressor. Vucic said he does not believe the war will end before next spring, given the lack of willingness to compromise, and added that he expects a wider war ahead.