Russian saboteurs are believed to be behind a devastating fire that broke out at a metal factory belonging to defense manufacturer Diehl in Berlin, according to Western security officials. The alleged arson attack occurred in early May and caused tens of millions of euros in damage, as reported by the company.

Western intelligence agencies, including those in Germany, have been increasingly raising concerns about espionage and sabotage threats from foreign adversaries, particularly Russia. The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed security officials, reported that this incident could be the latest in a series of similar attacks aimed at disrupting critical arms and ammunition shipments to Ukraine.

As suspicions point to Russian involvement, German politician Roderich Kiesewetter of the Christian Democrats emphasized that Russia is testing the limits of Article 5, which calls for NATO member countries to come to each other's defense in the event of an attack. He stated, "It has long been clear that Russia is waging a hybrid war against European countries, including Germany."

German police are still conducting an ongoing investigation into the fire. At this stage, a technical defect is assumed to be the cause, according to authorities. Diehl Metal Applications CEO, Thomas Hör, confirmed that a fire insurance company reached the same conclusion.

However, the Wall Street Journal suggests that experienced professionals were behind the fire, alleging that Russia is increasingly recruiting civilians, including criminals, through platforms like Telegram to carry out such attacks. Payments are made using cryptocurrencies, and some perpetrators may not even be aware they are working for Russia, the report claims.

The German tabloid Bild reported that a foreign intelligence service had alerted German secret services about concrete indications of Russian involvement in the factory fire. Despite this, intercepts of communications that provided evidence of Russia's role were deemed inadmissible in German courts, preventing authorities from clearly attributing the attack and pursuing criminal charges.

The fire caused significant destruction, with more than 200 firefighters working tirelessly for several days to extinguish the blaze. The technical room on the second floor of a factory building was completely destroyed, according to reports from Berlin broadcaster RBB.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by European countries in countering hybrid warfare and maintaining national security. While investigations continue, the consequences of such attacks and the need for appropriate countermeasures remain a critical concern for defense manufacturers and Western security authorities alike.