The national Office for the Protection of the Constitution re-assessed its priorities due to Russia's expanding threat. “Our function as a defence service is becoming increasingly important,” said Vice-President Sinan Selen in an interview with the paper “Welt am Sonntag”. Currently, the first place is to defend against attacks by abroad powers, followed by the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
– Putin sees Germany as the main mark in Europe – warned Selen, referring to the president of Russia. – Our country is the subject of a wide scope of Russian activities: in addition to the activities of low-level agents, it is increasingly cyber attacks, misinformation and sabotage," he added. All of this is about creating fear, uncertainty and doubts about democracy.
– We are observing no inhibitions," said the deputy chief of intelligence services. – Consciously accepts wounded and even fatalities.
According to Selen, Russian instruments besides include "smuggling migrants into Germany or influencing political decisions". In order to be able to respond adequately to Russia's hybrid actions, the constitutional safety services set fresh priorities in the Action Plan on the fight against espionage," Selen stressed.
