# Germany braces for Russian shadow war

> As hybrid attacks escalate, Berlin weighs defences while the government faces political collapse.
- Title: Germany braces for Russian shadow war · POLITICO | Shortify
- Summary: As hybrid attacks escalate, Berlin weighs defences while the government faces political collapse. Friedrich Merz visits Kyiv amid Russian drone strikes as…
- Keywords: friedrich merz, germany, russia, ukraine, hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, georg maier, german coalition, infrastructure security, politics, world, braces
- Source: POLITICO — https://politico.eu/podcast/berlin-playbook-podcast/deutschland-im-verteidigungsmodus
- Published: 2026-10-05T03:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: friedrich merz, germany, russia, ukraine, hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, georg maier, german coalition, infrastructure security, politics, world
## Merz travels to Kyiv amid strikes
Friedrich Merz travels unexpectedly to Kyiv over the weekend during massive Russian drone attacks. His visit signals Germany's engagement with Ukraine as hybrid warfare intensifies.
## Intelligence chiefs assess shadow war
On Monday, German intelligence service chiefs will clarify how close the hybrid shadow war has come to German soil. A public hearing of the intelligence committee will examine sabotage acts.
## Maier warns of Russian infrastructure attacks
Thüringia's SPD interior minister Georg Maier warns of increasing Russian attacks on domestic infrastructure. He outlines how Germany must defend against espionage and cyberattacks.
## Should operators shoot down drones?
Maier sketches whether operators of critical infrastructure should be allowed to shoot down hostile drones themselves. The question reflects Germany's urgent need to strengthen defences.
## Coalition faces political survival test
Back in Berlin, the chancellor faces political survival. Before the coalition committee meets, budget gaps, pension disputes and care reform threaten the government's stability.
## Breakthrough or final break ahead?
Analysts question whether the ruling coalition can survive or achieve a breakthrough in the year end rally. The government's future hangs on resolving deep policy disagreements.
## Key takeaway

Friedrich Merz visits Kyiv amid Russian drone strikes as Germany confronts hybrid warfare on its soil and coalition tensions threaten government stability.