Key facts
- Suspect arrested in Germany on suspicion of spying for Russia.
- Allegedly gathered military intelligence for Russian secret services.
- Contact with Russian secret service maintained since at least July 2025.
- Information included details on armored vehicles, ammunition, and NATO installations.
A Ukrainian national was arrested in the German state of Brandenburg on Thursday on suspicion of spying for Russia, federal prosecutors announced. The suspect, identified as Vadym Y. under privacy rules, had allegedly been in contact with a Russian intelligence agency via an intermediary since at least July 2025. Prosecutors stated that the individual gathered military-related intelligence, including information on the production of armored vehicles, ammunition, and explosives, as well as personnel and installations securing NATO's eastern flank. While some information was publicly available, other details were reportedly solicited from individuals in the European defense industry. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commented that the arrest was not surprising and warned that more such cases could occur. The suspect is due to appear before an investigating judge on Friday.