German defense executive: 'Germany and Russia are at war'

His stark warning comes as the German government, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is reportedly hardening its stance against suspected Russian interference. Officials indicated that Berlin plans to officially blame Moscow for an attempted drone attack in Leipzig and is preparing to announce "extensive" sanctions.

Thumann revealed he has been living under constant security measures after authorities uncovered a purported Russian intelligence plot to assassinate him using poison in 2025. He stated that officials warned him of the serious threat to his life shortly before Christmas, leading to the detention of a suspected low-level operative. Thumann described using official addresses as "honeypots" to trap potential adversaries, suggesting the detained operative was part of a larger plan to identify his location for the assassination attempt.

The alleged threat has significantly disrupted Thumann's life, forcing him to reside in undisclosed locations with bodyguards, remain separated from his family for months, and prepare legal and medical directives in anticipation of potential harm.