Germany target of 'intensive' espionage, Merz says after suspected Russian spy arrest
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned of intensive Russian espionage following the arrest of a Ukrainian national suspected of spying for Moscow. The suspect allegedly gathered intelligence on German military production, including ammunition and armored vehicles.
Why it matters
Increased espionage activity in Germany underscores the heightened security tensions in Europe resulting from the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, 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.
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