Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Germany Expels Russian Diplomat Over Espionage
Germany has kicked out a Russian diplomat because they think he was spying.
The diplomat was working at the Russian embassy in Germany.
German officials also arrested a woman named Ilona W, who they say was collecting information about drones that were supposed to go to Ukraine.
She had been in contact with the Russian embassy since last year.
The German government said they don't allow spying, especially by people who are supposed to be diplomats.
This happens because there are concerns about Russian spies in Europe, especially since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Germany expelled a Russian diplomat suspected of espionage.
The diplomat was the Russian embassy’s deputy military attache.
A German-Ukrainian woman, Ilona W, was arrested for gathering information on drones for Ukraine.
Ilona W had intelligence contacts with the Russian Embassy since at least November 2023.
The German government summoned the Russian ambassador to inform him of the expulsion.
- Who
- German government and Russian diplomat
- What
- Expulsion of Russian diplomat over espionage accusations
- When
- Thursday, January 22
- Where
- Germany
- Why
- Suspected espionage activities and gathering information on drones for Ukraine
- Country
- Germany
- Diplomat Status
- Russian Deputy Military Attache
- Accusation
- Espionage
- Arrested Individual
- Ilona W
- Arrest Date
- Wednesday
- Information Gathered
- Drones for Ukraine
- Intelligence Contacts
- Since November 2023