Germany is the target of “intensive” espionage activity, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said after a Ukrainian national was arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia, according to BBC News.
What prosecutors allege
Germany’s Federal Prosecutor General’s Office said the suspect, identified under privacy rules as Vadym Y., had been in contact with a Russian intelligence service through an intermediary since at least July 2025. Prosecutors said he collected information “on the production of armoured vehicles, ammunition, and explosives.” He is due to appear before an investigating judge on Friday, the BBC reported.
Merz’s warning
Merz called the case a “success,” but added: “Let us not delude ourselves — the activities of Russian intelligence services in Germany remain at a consistently high level,” per the BBC. Speaking on the sidelines of a conference in Montenegro on Thursday, Merz said: “We will likely see more such cases in the coming months and years.”
A string of recent cases
The BBC noted several arrests in Germany this year of people alleged to be acting on behalf of Russia or other foreign powers. In January, a woman was arrested in Berlin on suspicion of gathering information for an intelligence officer at the Russian embassy. Prosecutors also cited the arrests of a Romanian woman and a Ukrainian man accused of spying on an individual supplying drones from Germany to Ukraine.
Earlier this month, former German spy chief August Hanning was arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason, and obtaining classified information for a foreign power, the BBC reported. Investigators have not disclosed which foreign powers were involved. Hanning led the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005 and now works as a private consultant. Police also arrested former BND employee Manfred D., accused of passing Hanning about 2,000 classified documents in exchange for money.
Wider security context
Germany has been one of the leading European suppliers of weapons to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, according to the BBC. Merz and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reaffirmed defense and security partnerships earlier this month, including cooperation against hybrid attacks and hostile activity, the BBC said.
The talks followed Germany accusing Russia of launching a drone fitted with explosives at Leipzig/Halle Airport in September. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Germany of planting evidence to blame Russia, per the BBC.
