German spy chief expects attacks on Ukraine aid, but sees no sign of a large-scale Russian attack on NATO territory

Germany’s foreign intelligence chief, Martin Jäger, warned at a Bundestag hearing on 5 October 2026 that he expected Russia to try to disrupt Western weapons production and deliveries to Ukraine with physical attacks, including in Germany, according to ANP. He said Germany risked a violent conflict with Russia, while the BND then saw no indications of a large-scale Russian attack on NATO territory. [1] [2] [3]

The military aid is being supplied in the context of Russia’s military attack on Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022. [12]

Jäger cited Leipzig/Halle airport. German prosecutors said a drone fitted with professional explosives and a detonator was found there on the night of 4–5 August, and that they suspected an attempted explosion. Airport operations were initially stopped, though the northern runway reopened that night. A cargo aircraft forced to go around struck an unidentified object, thought to be another drone. Minor damage was found after it landed in Hanover. [4] [5]

The German government held Russia responsible for the Leipzig incident on 1 September, citing police investigations, the operational pattern and intelligence findings. It described its conclusion as a political attribution, distinct from criminal proceedings that it said were still under way at the time. Joint reporting by NDR, WDR and Süddeutsche Zeitung said investigators had identified suspects through DNA traces and intelligence leads; it did not set out a Russian state command chain. [6] [7]

An earlier report that a nearby Ukrainian aircraft was loaded with ammunition when the drone was found was corrected. Revised investigative information said it had carried ammunition the previous day but was reportedly empty at the time of the incident. The joint report also described Leipzig/Halle as a military-logistics hub used by Ukraine. The intended target and any effect on weapons deliveries beyond the temporary disruption to flights remain unclear.