In recent weeks, Germany has witnessed a large-scale campaign of sabotage that has left nearly 300 cars damaged across the country.
Authorities are investigating this wave of vandalism, with suspicions pointing to Russian-backed provocateurs.
Initially, the attacks were believed to be carried out by environmental activists.
However, as the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the involvement of Russian security agencies might be much larger than first thought, reports Ziare.
The motive behind the attacks remains unclear. The vandalism appeared to be linked to environmental causes at first.
Cars were damaged by stuffing their exhaust pipes with construction foam and pasting paper strips featuring the image of Robert Habeck, the German Minister of Economy, with the words “Sei Grüner” (“Be greener”).
This message seemed to connect the acts to the Green Party’s environmental stance. But the execution of the attacks suggested that the real purpose was more complex than simply pushing an environmental agenda.
More than 270 cars were vandalized in various regions of Germany, including Berlin, Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg, and Bavaria.
The attacks seem to have targeted the Green Party and Habeck, in particular. Some believe the aim was to destabilize the party and damage Habeck's political career, especially with his potential candidacy for chancellor in the upcoming elections.
Konstantin von Notz, a spokesperson for the Green Party, commented that espionage and sabotage have been used strategically to stir uncertainty and divide the country.
German police have identified four suspects in Schönefeld, where over 40 cars were damaged in the same way.
Two of them have fled the country. The suspects are young men from Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, and Germany.
Police found phones, laptops, and construction foam during their searches.
One suspect, a Bosnian, confessed that he was convinced by a Russian national through social media to take part in the attacks, with a promise of 100 euros for each car he damaged.
This campaign is part of a broader Russian strategy to destabilize Europe.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there have been multiple incidents of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure, including undersea cables and European defense manufacturers.
Western officials view these actions as a form of hybrid warfare, aimed at weakening NATO countries and disrupting support for Ukraine.
