Information security

German Intelligence Covertly Provided Media With Information Criticizing Russia

German media reported on Saturday that BND covertly provided a number of journalists with information containing criticism of Russia before the data were disclosed by the agency.

The information was provided during unofficial conversations with some reporters, the Tagesspiegel media outlet reported citing its sources in the BND. No further information about these conversations is available.

In mid-November, BND Chief Bruno Kahl called on western countries to make sure they are ready to counter any "potential threat” posed by Russia while at the same time maintaining "close ties" with Moscow.

"To put it bluntly, instead of having a partner for European security, we are more likely to face a potential threat in Russia," Kahl said in an interview to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, adding that the Western states should also support close relations and communication channels with Russia in case Moscow reaches out to say it is interested in cooperation.