(MENAFN) Germany’s new foreign intelligence chief has warned that Russia poses a direct threat to the European Union, cautioning that the current “icy peace” between Moscow and the bloc could erupt into “heated confrontation” at any time.

Martin Jäger, who took over as head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) last month, told lawmakers in Berlin on Monday that Russia aims to destabilize European democracies and weaken NATO — accusations the Kremlin has repeatedly denied.

“We must not sit back and assume that a possible Russian attack will not come until 2029 at the earliest,” Jäger said, speaking alongside the heads of Germany’s domestic and military intelligence agencies. “At best, there is an icy peace in Europe, which could turn into heated confrontation at any moment.”

“To achieve this goal, Russia will not shy away from direct military confrontation with NATO, if necessary,” he added.

Germany has repeatedly warned of the risk of a future NATO-Russia conflict since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. Earlier this year, Germany’s chief of defense, General Carsten Breuer, said the country must be prepared to face a potential Russian attack by 2029.

Jäger’s remarks come as European governments ramp up defense spending, citing concerns over Moscow’s intentions. During a NATO summit in The Hague in June, member states agreed to raise defense spending targets from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035. Similarly, the EU approved several initiatives this year to strengthen its defense sector, including the €800 billion ($930 billion) “ReArm Europe” plan.

Moscow has dismissed claims that it plans to attack NATO or any EU member state, describing them as unfounded and intended to justify record-high military spending at the cost of social welfare programs.

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