Germany target of 'intensive' espionage, Merz says after suspected Russian spy arrest

Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Russian intelligence activity in Germany remains 'at a consistently high level'

Germany is the target of "intensive" espionage activity, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said after a Ukrainian national was arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia.

Officials said the suspect, named as Vadym Y., had allegedly collected military-related intelligence from Germany.

Merz called the uncovering of the case a "success", but warned "let us not delude ourselves - the activities of Russian intelligence services in Germany remain at a consistently high level".

Several people alleged to be acting on behalf of Russia and other foreign powers have been arrested in Germany this year. Germany has been one of the leading European suppliers of weapons to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

The German Federal Prosecutor General's Office said on Thursday that Vadym Y., as he was identified under German privacy law, had been in contact with a Russian intelligence service through an intermediary since at least July 2025.

It also said the Ukrainian man had collected information including "on the production of armoured vehicles, ammunition, and explosives".

He is due to appear before an investigating judge on Friday.

Kaynak: BBC News World RSS (Açık Basın / RSS Bülteni)