German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that Germany continues to face a high level of espionage activity after a Ukrainian national was arrested on suspicion of gathering military intelligence for Russia.
The suspect, identified as Vadym Y. under German privacy laws, allegedly collected information about Germany’s defence industry, including the production of armoured vehicles, ammunition and explosives, according to the Federal Prosecutor General’s Office.
Merz described the case as a success for German authorities but cautioned against underestimating the scale of the threat.
“Let us not delude ourselves — the activities of Russian intelligence services in Germany remain at a consistently high level,” he said on Thursday.
The suspect is due to appear before an investigating judge on Friday.
Germany has been one of Ukraine’s leading suppliers of military equipment since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, making its defence and security infrastructure a key focus of concern.
Suspected intelligence gathering
German prosecutors said Vadym Y. had allegedly been in contact with a Russian intelligence service through an intermediary since at least July 2025.
Investigators believe he gathered information related to Germany’s military production capabilities. Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the alleged intelligence-gathering activities.
The arrest comes amid a series of espionage investigations involving people suspected of working for Russia or other foreign powers.
In January, a woman was arrested in Berlin on suspicion of collecting information for an intelligence officer at the Russian embassy.
Other cases this year have involved a Romanian woman and a Ukrainian man accused of spying on an individual who supplied drones from Germany to Ukraine.
Earlier this month, former German intelligence chief August Hanning was arrested on suspicion of espionage, treason and obtaining classified information for a foreign power. Investigators have not identified the foreign power allegedly involved.
Hanning led Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) from 1998 to 2005 and later worked as a private consultant.
Police also arrested a former BND employee, identified as Manfred D., who is accused of passing Hanning around 2,000 classified documents in exchange for money.
The allegations in these cases remain subject to investigation.
Merz warns of further cases
Speaking on the sidelines of a conference in Montenegro on Thursday, Merz predicted that German authorities would uncover more suspected espionage cases.
“We will likely see more such cases in the coming months and years,” he said.
The chancellor has sought to strengthen Germany’s defence and security cooperation with its European partners as concerns grow over hostile intelligence activity and potential sabotage.
Earlier this month, Merz reaffirmed security and defence partnerships with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, including cooperation to counter hybrid attacks and other hostile activities.
The discussions followed Germany’s accusation that Russia had launched a drone fitted with explosives towards Leipzig/Halle Airport in September. Russian President Vladimir Putin denied responsibility and accused Germany of planting evidence to blame Moscow.
The latest arrest adds to growing concerns among European governments about suspected Russian intelligence operations, particularly as Germany continues to support Ukraine militarily.
Merz’s warning signals that Berlin expects counter-espionage investigations to remain a significant part of its national security efforts in the years ahead.
