In brief
Germany’s security services are on high alert after a Ukrainian national was arrested for spying for Russia. The suspect, Vadym Y., allegedly collected information on armoured vehicle manufacturing, ammunition and explosives vital to Germany’s war support for Ukraine. Chancellor Friedrich Merz celebrated the arrest as a success but cautioned that Russian intelligence remains active in the country. The case follows a spate of arrests, including a Russian embassy staff member and a former BND chief, underscoring a widening espionage drive and prompting stronger cooperation with the UK.
Germany’s security services are on high alert as Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls the country a target of intensive espionage after a Ukrainian national was arrested for allegedly spying for Russia.
The suspect, known only as Vadym Y., is accused of collecting data on Germany’s production of armoured vehicles, ammunition and explosives – all vital to its weapons‑supplies to Ukraine.
Merz celebrated the arrest as a success but warned that Russian intelligence continues to operate at a consistently high level in Germany.
This follows a string of arrests this year – a Russian embassy employee in Berlin, a Romanian woman and a Ukrainian man linked to drone supply chains – underscoring a widening espionage drive.
The case also taps into a broader crackdown, highlighted by the recent arrest of former BND chief August Hanning on espionage and treason charges.
Merz pledged stronger cooperation with the UK to combat hybrid threats, reminding partners of last month’s explosive drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport blamed on Russian operatives.
