UK, Germany to launch new partnership to counter sabotage, cyberattacks

UK and Germany Form Partnership to Confront Cyberattacks and Sabotage Threats

Joint Efforts to Address Hybrid Threats from Russia

Leaders Meet to Strengthen Security Collaboration

LONDON, Oct 8 (Reuters) - 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 on Thursday, shortly after both leaders warned of the hybrid threat from Russia.

Scope and Objectives of the Partnership

• New joint partnership will involve sharing information, and coordinating action to monitor, deter and disrupt threats to critical infrastructure or via cyber attacks and sabotage, Downing Street said

Identifying Key Adversaries and Threats

• UK says adversaries, "especially Russia", pose a hybrid threat in Europe and beyond; British ministers were last month due to brief defence companies and critical national infrastructure providers on the threat posed by Russia

German Intelligence Perspective

• Germany's head of foreign intelligence on Monday warned that "the confrontation we are facing with Russia has taken on a new, more dangerous dimension"

Recent Incidents and Accusations

• Last month, Germany said it had concluded Russia was responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August

Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Alex Richardson)