Germany arrests Ukrainian national suspected of spying for Russian intelligence

Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office identified the suspect as Vadym Y. He was arrested by Federal Criminal Police Office officers in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg under a warrant issued on October 15.

According to prosecutors, Vadym Y. had been in contact with a Russian intelligence service through an intermediary since at least July 2025.

Investigators allege that he collected militarily relevant information from Germany, including details about the production of armored vehicles, ammunition and explosives.

He is also suspected of gathering information about personnel and military facilities at locations involved in securing NATO's eastern flank.

Some of the information was publicly available. To obtain other details, prosecutors allege, the suspect deliberately cultivated sources working in Europe's defense industry.

Vadym Y. is suspected of acting as an intelligence agent for a foreign power under Section 99 of Germany's Criminal Code.

The investigation was initiated following information provided by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The Federal Criminal Police Office is conducting the criminal investigation.

The suspect is due to appear before an investigating judge at Germany's Federal Court of Justice on October 23. The judge will formally present the arrest warrant and decide whether he should remain in pretrial detention.

The allegations have not been proven in court.