After the perpetrator of two acts of sabotage at German substations was found to be an extremist climate activist, Dr. Umbach emphasizes that the greater threat to Germany’s critical infrastructure continues to come from Russia as a state actor that acts in a coordinated manner and has significant resources at its disposal. However, Umbach also explained, that Moscow could be behind politically extreme perpetrators as well, since Russia recruits so-called “disposable agents” via the internet, who often come from these circles. In general, attributing such crimes is difficult; investigations often take months before a clear perpetrator can be identified, according to Umbach.
The danger of further hybrid attacks and acts of sabotage is by no means over, and Germany must prepare for more such incidents in the coming months, Umbach said. He argues that, to counter this threat, critical infrastructure must be better protected and laws must be amended.