File photo for reference only

 

Germany's government has accused Russia of orchestrating a cyberattack on its air traffic control system in August 2024 and attempting to interfere with this year’s federal election. The German foreign ministry claims that Russian military intelligence, the GRU, was responsible for the attack, further alleging efforts to destabilise the country's political landscape.

 

The issue is part of increasing tension in Europe regarding cyberattacks linked to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia has strongly denied the allegations, with its embassy in Berlin labelling them “absurd” and “baseless.” Germany intends to collaborate with European allies to impose countermeasures on Russia, highlighting a coordinated response to these hybrid actions.

 

Germany's accusations echo similar claims from the UK and Romania, accusing Russia of meddling in internal affairs and disrupting organisations aiding Ukraine. Intelligence ties the attack to the Fancy Bear hacker group, linked to past significant cyber incidents. Despite acknowledging a breach in its systems, the German air navigation provider insisted that flight operations remained unaffected.

 

Germany also reported a disinformation campaign, Storm 1516, targeting key politicians during the election period, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Amid heightened tensions, Chancellor Merz has urged using frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine's defence, underscoring Germany's steadfast support for Kyiv despite deteriorating ties with Moscow following the invasion.

 

The acrimony between Germany and Russia isn't new; relations have long been fraught. Notable incidents include the suspected Kremlin-backed murder of a Chechen national in Berlin in 2019, leading to diplomatic expulsions. Although Russia has yet to directly respond to these latest charges, the Kremlin has historically dismissed similar European allegations, reported BBC.

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Germany accuses Russia of a cyberattack on its air traffic control and election interference.
• Russia denies involvement, calling allegations baseless; Germany plans countermeasures.
• Tensions are part of broader European concerns over Russian cyber activities post-Ukraine invasion.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-12-13

 

 

 

Use Russians funds frozen in European banks to pay for weapons that Ukraine can use to win the war against Russia.

Expert more the of same now as trump keeps pushing his agenda against the EU for him like the pathetic little puppet bitch he really is.