Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that Germany is the target of "intensive" espionage activity following the arrest of a Ukrainian national suspected of spying for Russia. The suspect, identified as Vadym Y., allegedly collected military-related intelligence from Germany.

Context

Merz described the uncovering of this case as a "success" but cautioned that the activities of Russian intelligence services in Germany remain "at a consistently high level." This year, several individuals believed to be acting on behalf of Russia and other foreign powers have been arrested in Germany.

Germany has been a leading European supplier of weapons to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Developments

The German Federal Prosecutor General's Office announced that Vadym Y. had been in contact with a Russian intelligence service through an intermediary since at least July 2025. He is accused of gathering information on:

  • The production of armoured vehicles
  • Ammunition
  • Explosives