In brief
German leaders are tightening security after a Ukrainian national was taken into custody for alleged spying on military data, and former spy chief August Hanning was interrogated on treason charges. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stresses that Russia’s espionage operations continue at a "consistently high level" while Germany pushes back with strong defence ties to the UK. Arrests across Europe this year highlight a growing trend of foreign intelligence in Germany, as the country remains a key supplier of weapons to Ukraine. The government is preparing for possible heightened hybrid threats.
Germany has warned that espionage activity from Russian intelligence remains "at a consistently high level," following the arrest of a Ukrainian national suspected of spying for Moscow‑based services.
The suspect, identified as Vadym Y., allegedly collected information on the production of armoured vehicles, ammunition and explosives. Authorities say he was in contact with a Russian intelligence service via an intermediary since at least July 2025, and he is to appear before an investigating judge this Friday.
The incident comes on the heels of the arrest of former Federal Intelligence Service chief August Hanning, who is charged with espionage, treason and the acquisition of classified information for an unknown foreign power. Hanning, who headed the BND from 1998‑2005, was working as a private consultant before the charges were brought. A former BND employee has also been detained for allegedly passing large volumes of secret documents to Hanning for money.
In a statement at a conference in Montenegro, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, “We will likely see more such cases in the coming months and years.” He reiterated defence and security collaborations with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, stressing a joint front against hybrid attacks and hostile activity after an incident in which a drone was allegedly launched from Russia at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
The series of arrests, which also include a Romanian woman and a Ukrainian man accused of spying on German drone suppliers, underscore an intensified effort by Russian intelligence to infiltrate German military and defence sectors.
