In brief
Germany has arrested a Ukrainian national suspected of colluding with Russian intelligence to gather military data. Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the capture a success but cautioned that Russian espionage remains at a high level in Germany. The case follows a wave of arrests, including a former BND chief and other alleged spies. The German government stresses continued collaboration with allies such as the UK to counter hybrid threats.
Germany is the target of "intensive" espionage activity, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said after a Ukrainian national was arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia.
Officials said the suspect, named Vadym Y., had collected military-related intelligence from Germany.
Merz called the investigation a "success" but warned against complacency, saying the activities of Russian intelligence services remain “at a consistently high level”.
Several people alleged to be acting on behalf of Russia and other foreign powers have been arrested in Germany this year, and Germany remains a key supplier of weapons to Ukraine.
The German Federal Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that the suspect had been in contact with a Russian intelligence service through an intermediary since at least July 2025.
The Ukrainian man had collected information on the production of armoured vehicles, ammunition and explosives, and will appear before an investigating judge on Friday.
Earlier this year, a woman was arrested in Berlin for gathering intelligence for a Russian embassy officer, and a Romanian woman and a Ukrainian man were accused of spying on a drone supplier to Ukraine.
In line with a recent press conference in Montenegro, Merz warned that more such cases could surface in the coming months and reaffirmed defence partnerships with the UK to tackle hybrid attacks.
The German government has previously accused Russia of a drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport and has accused President Vladimir Putin of fabricating evidence.
