Germany engaged on plan towards Russian ‘hybrid’ threats: Merz

Germany will develop a “comprehensive action plan” to counter what it sees as low-level hybrid warfare waged by Russia, Chancellor Friedrich Merz mentioned on Thursday (October 16, 2025).

The newly shaped National Security Council would “in the coming days” maintain its inaugural assembly to work on the plan, Mr. Merz advised parliament.

Referencing mysterious drone flights which have induced chaos at European airports, Merz charged that Russian President Vladimir Putin was subjecting Europe to “hybrid attacks”.

“We will defend ourselves against them now and in the future,” Mr. Merz mentioned.

“That is why the National Security Council, which we have newly established, is developing a comprehensive action plan to defend against hybrid threats,” he added.

Also accusing Russia of sabotage, cyber assaults and espionage, Merz drew applause when he advised MPs that this involved the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) specifically.

“It is Russia that is trying to destabilise us in Germany and in Europe ever more ruthlessly with hybrid methods of war,” Merz mentioned.

“With targeted disinformation, with espionage — from your ranks, too,” he mentioned of lawmakers of the Moscow-friendly AfD.

No AfD politician has been convicted of spying for Russia, however some have been accused of inappropriate hyperlinks to the nation.

Prosecutors in Dresden final 12 months opened an investigation into AfD deputy Maximilian Krah following reviews he had taken cash from Russia and China throughout his time as an MEP within the European Parliament.