German intelligence chief Kahl believes Europe would be better off "if the war in Ukraine lasted another five years" – NSDC responds

Bruno Kahl, head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service, stated in an interview with DW that an earlier end to the war in Ukraine would allow the Russians to direct their energy to where they really want it, namely against Europe. He emphasized that the war on Ukrainian territory could last until 2030.

Response from the National Security and Defense Council

The statement by the head of German intelligence was met with a response from Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). 

“No, dear sir, you will not avoid a war with Russia in 4-6 years, because you are lazy and unwilling to make societal changes. Only the Nordics, Poland, and France are ready to confront Russia. And Germany can't even make a single ‘Taurus’ missile faster than in a year or a year and a half. It will never be safer while you are like this. It’s better to prepare now, unfortunately. I understand Russian psychology well – they will attack NATO countries regardless of us while you are this weak,” Kovalenko said.

• Konstantin von Notz, chairman of Germany's intelligence oversight committee, urges Germany and its European allies to establish their own intelligence-sharing network.