UK, Germany launch anti-sabotage pact as spy scandals rock Berlin

· Security · Germany · United Kingdom

Britain and Germany will launch a joint partnership to counter sabotage and cyberattacks as Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor Friedrich Merz meet in Berlin, shortly after both leaders warned of hybrid threats from Russia. The move comes as Germany's former spy chief August Hanning was placed under formal arrest over espionage and treason claims, accused of buying secret documents to aid a foreign intelligence service, and as Denmark said Russia has conducted sabotage attacks against Danish defense firms supplying Ukraine. Denmark and the Pentagon also reported major personal data breaches.

Why it matters：Western capitals are bracing for Russian hybrid warfare, and a spy scandal at the heart of German intelligence raises doubts about allied information sharing.

Key points

  • Britain and Germany will launch a joint anti-sabotage and cyber partnership.
  • Germany's former spy chief August Hanning was formally arrested over espionage claims.
  • Denmark said Russia has conducted sabotage attacks against its defense firms.

Sources (original reporting)

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