Germany Summons Russian Ambassador Over Hybrid Threats

Germany summoned Russia's ambassador in Berlin on Friday to protest a surge in alleged hybrid activities, including cyberattacks, sabotage attempts, election interference, and disinformation campaigns attributed to Moscow.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Martin Giese announced the diplomatic action during a regular government news conference, stating that officials had made it clear to the ambassador that Germany is closely monitoring Russian actions and will respond accordingly. The summons follows investigations revealing a significant increase in such threats, which Giese described as aimed at dividing society, stirring mistrust, and weakening confidence in democratic institutions.

German authorities have linked Russia's military intelligence agency, known as the GRU, to several specific incidents. In one case, a cyberattack on the country's air traffic control system in August 2024 was attributed to the GRU-backed hacker group APT28, also known as Fancy Bear. This collective has been connected to previous global intrusions, including efforts to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election through leaked Democratic Party emails.

Another probe points to a pro-Russian influence...