In brief
Germany’s leader, Friedrich Merz, warned that the country remains under intensive Russian spy activity after a Ukrainian national was arrested on spying charges. Officials say the suspect, Vadym Y., gathered military intelligence, including data on armoured vehicle production and ammunition. Merz described the arrest as a success but cautioned that Russian‑linked espionage continues at a consistently high level. Earlier this year, former BND chief August Hanning was also detained on similar charges, signalling a broader crackdown on foreign intelligence. German security officials are pressing the UK for tighter cooperation to counter hybrid threats.
Germany’s leader, Friedrich Merz, warned that the country remains under intensive Russian spy activity after a Ukrainian national was arrested on spying charges.
Officials say the suspect, Vadym Y., gathered military intelligence, including data on armoured vehicle production and ammunition.
Merz described the arrest as a “success” but cautioned that Russian‑linked espionage continues at a consistently high level.
Earlier this year, several people allegedly acting on behalf of Russia and other foreign powers were arrested in Germany; the country has been a major European supplier of weapons to Ukraine since 2022.
German prosecutors revealed that Vadym Y. had been in contact with a Russian intelligence service via an intermediary since at least July 2025 and had collected information on a range of military equipment.
He is due to appear before an investigating judge on Friday.
In January, a woman was arrested in Berlin suspected of gathering intelligence for an officer at the Russian embassy.
Other arrests this year included a Romanian woman and a Ukrainian man accused of spying on a supplier of drones from Germany to Ukraine.
Former German spy chief August Hanning was arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power earlier this month.
Hanning headed the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005 and has since worked as a private consultant.
Police also arrested former BND employee Manfred D., accusing him of passing Hanning about 2,000 classified documents in exchange for money.
Speaking at the sidelines of a conference in Montenegro on Thursday, Merz said: “We will likely see more such cases in the coming months and years.”
Merz reaffirmed a series of defence and security partnerships with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham earlier this month, including tackling hybrid attacks and hostile activity.
The talks between the two leaders followed Germany’s accusation that Russia launched a drone fitted with explosives at Leipzig/Halle Airport in September.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Germany of planting evidence to blame Russia.
