Germany faces a real risk of being drawn into violent conflict with Russia as Moscow escalates its hybrid operations across Europe, the head of the country's foreign intelligence service warned Monday.

Martin Jäger, president of the Bundesnachrichtendienst, or BND, made the remarks during a public parliamentary hearing. He said the confrontation with Russia has taken on a new and more dangerous dimension, with the threat of attacks inside Germany remaining real and imminent.

Jäger cited an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August, which German authorities have attributed to Russia. The explosive-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane reportedly carrying military supplies. He described Russia's actions as a shadow war involving sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation, and intimidation aimed at weakening European support for Ukraine.

"Germany has become a major obstacle to Russia's hegemonic power projection in Europe and, as a result, a primary target," Jäger stated. He noted that Moscow is betting on Western weakness and seeks to force Germany, Ukraine's largest donor, to reduce its backing.

Jäger added that while there are no signs of an imminent large-scale Russian attack on NATO territory, low-intensity military activities in the Baltic states remain possible. He warned of further meddling, nuclear threats, and attempts to test German resolve.

Germany's domestic intelligence chief, Sinan Selen, echoed the concerns, stating that Russia is prepared to carry out sabotage, disruption, and killings. Selen emphasized that attacks are happening now, not in the future.

The warnings come as Russia continues its campaign against Ukraine into its fifth winter, with Jäger predicting increased brutality. German authorities are preparing new intelligence powers and resilience measures to counter the threats.

Russia has denied any intention of attacking NATO countries while asserting it will respond to aggression.