In brief
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Russia’s intelligence services continue to target Germany at a consistently high level following the arrest of a Ukrainian national suspected of spying. The suspect, Vadym Y., allegedly collected information on German defense production for Russian handlers. The case comes amid a wave of arrests tied to espionage for foreign powers, including former BND chief August Hanning. Merz stressed that more cases could emerge and reaffirmed security cooperation with the UK. The developments follow a recent German accusation that Russia launched a drone laden with explosives at Leipzig/Halle airport.
Germany is the target of "intensive" espionage activity, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said after a Ukrainian national was arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia.
Police confirmed that Vadym Y., a Ukrainian citizen, allegedly gathered military‑related intelligence in Germany, including details on the production of armoured vehicles, ammunition and explosives. He has been in contact with a Russian intelligence agency through an intermediary since at least July 2025.
Merz called the arrest a "success" but warned that "let us not delude ourselves – the activities of Russian intelligence services in Germany remain at a consistently high level." The suspect is due before an investigating judge this Friday.
Across the country, authorities have also detained several individuals suspected of acting for Russian or other foreign interests. In January, a woman was taken into custody in Berlin after she was found to be collecting information for a Russian embassy officer. This year, a Romanian woman and a Ukrainian man were arrested for spying on a German drone supplier to Ukraine.
The spike in espionage cases follows the arrest of former BND chief August Hanning earlier this month on accusations of espionage, treason and the illicit acquisition of classified files for an unnamed foreign power. Police also detained former BND employee Manfred D. for allegedly passing roughly 2,000 top‑secret documents to Hanning.
Merz highlighted that the surge is a "high‑profile trend" that is "likely to continue" in the coming months and years. He also reaffirmed Germany’s defence and security partnership with the United Kingdom, stressing joint efforts to counter hybrid attacks and hostile intelligence activities. The discussion came after Germany accused Russia of deploying a drone loaded with explosives at Leipzig/Halle Airport in September, leading to a tit‑for‑tat exchange of accusations with President Vladimir Putin.
