Germany, one of Europe's leading arms suppliers to Ukraine, is again confronting the shadow of espionage. According to the BBC, German authorities have arrested a Ukrainian national on suspicion of spying for Russia, prompting Chancellor Friedrich Merz to warn that the country is the target of "intensive" espionage.
The allegations
The Federal Prosecutor General's Office said on Thursday that the suspect, identified as Vadym Y. under German privacy law, had been in contact with a Russian intelligence service through an intermediary since at least July 2025. Prosecutors say he gathered information on the production of armoured vehicles, ammunition and explosives. He is due to appear before an investigating judge on Friday.
Merz: no illusions
Speaking on the sidelines of a conference in Montenegro, Merz called the case a "success" but said Russian intelligence activity in Germany remained at a consistently high level, adding that more such cases were likely in the coming months and years.
A string of arrests
The BBC reports that several people accused of acting for Russia and other foreign powers have been arrested in Germany this year. In January, a woman was detained in Berlin on suspicion of gathering information for a Russian embassy intelligence officer. Earlier this month, former BND intelligence chief August Hanning was arrested on suspicion of espionage and treason, though investigators have not said which foreign powers were involved.
In September, Germany accused Russia of launching an explosives-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport, while Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Germany of planting evidence to blame Moscow.