By John Q. Hosedrinker 
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accused Russia of destabilizing Germany through attacks on infrastructure and attempts to undermine social stability, stating that Germany is already in conflict with Russia. These accusations are part of a broader trend of Western leaders accusing Moscow of hybrid operations and sabotage across Europe. Merz, who has increased military support for Ukraine, expressed the hope for future good relations, while acknowledging the current distance from that goal due to Putin’s ambitions. Concerns have also been raised regarding suspected Russian drone flights over U.S. arms routes in Germany, hinting at espionage and potential future sabotage operations.
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“We are already in conflict with Russia”—Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, has stated the obvious. This isn’t a revelation; it’s a formal acknowledgment of a reality that has been unfolding for years. The specifics are stark: cyberattacks, deliberate sabotage of infrastructure, and unrelenting disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing Germany. The core of the issue lies in the nature of the conflict, which isn’t confined to a battlefield; it’s a multifaceted hybrid war.
The Chancellor’s warnings about Putin’s ambitions to rebuild the Soviet Union are echoed across Europe, adding urgency to the situation. The statement underscores a crucial point—this is not just about Ukraine. Germany and the rest of Europe are in the crosshairs. Russia will continue to harass Europe because they choose not to respond with strength. Shooting down drones crossing into European airspace is seen as weakness and will result in the same outcome.
The sentiment is palpable: “We are at war, and we are not fighting back.” Suggestions to ban the AFD (Alternative for Germany), increase support for Ukraine, and create a European nuclear deterrent in collaboration with Poland and the Baltic states are proposed as immediate actions. The ongoing debate regarding long-range missiles, coupled with the acknowledgment that the German army is stretched thin, points to the struggles of translating awareness into decisive action. Since taking office, Merz has amplified German military support for Ukraine. Despite earlier promises, the delivery of essential military equipment, particularly the Taurus missiles, has been delayed.
Many are disappointed. The criticism is that Germany is not matching its rhetoric with deeds, and some believe that the lack of decisive actions reflects a deeper problem. The lack of action on the part of Germany is disappointing. It shows that most European politicians are still lagging a decade behind. The core issue is, what concrete actions are being taken to counter Russian aggression? The ongoing reliance on Russian energy sources, for example, while simultaneously acknowledging a state of conflict, highlights a critical disconnect.
The core message is that Russia is a destabilizing force, and the West is too slow to react. This is a war that started long ago, not just the invasion of Crimea in 2014, or even when Russia started its hybrid war against the western world about 15 years ago. The fact that many European politicians are behind makes things worse. The focus must shift from verbal condemnation to proactive measures.
This brings forth the difficult question of what actions can be taken. The solutions are also not easy to implement: Declare war? Sabotage Russian facilities? Use the same tactics the Russians are using? Cutting ties with Russia’s internet is one possible solution. The AFD is not the only party that acts as a Russian puppet. The left in Germany forced Germany to shut down its nuclear program, and their friends in the center then paid Russia to build direct oil and gas pipelines from Russia to Germany. The time has come to investigate the politicians and their ties.