World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Ukrainian man arrested in Germany on suspicion of spying for Russia
German police arrested a Ukrainian man in Brandenburg on suspicion of spying for Russia.
Prosecutors identified him as Vadym Y. and say he had been in contact with a Russian intelligence service through an intermediary since at least July 2025.
They allege he gathered information on armoured vehicle, ammunition and explosives production, as well as people and sites involved in protecting NATO’s eastern flank.
Some details were publicly available, while others were allegedly sought from people in Europe’s defence industry.
The arrest comes as Germany steps up efforts against what it sees as Russian hybrid attacks, including espionage and sabotage.
A judge will decide on Friday whether he stays in custody while the case proceeds.
German authorities arrested Ukrainian citizen Vadym Y. in Brandenburg on suspicion of spying for Russia.
Prosecutors say he had contact with Russian intelligence through an intermediary since at least July 2025.
They allege he gathered military information, including details about armored vehicles, ammunition, explosives, personnel and facilities on NATO’s eastern flank.
Some information was publicly available, while other details were allegedly sought from people in the European defense industry.
A judge was due to consider whether he should remain in pretrial detention on October 23.
- Who
- Vadym Y., a Ukrainian citizen.
- What
- He was arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia and gathering military-related information.
- When
- October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Brandenburg, Germany; the Kyiv Independent reported that he was arrested in the Oder-Spree district.
- Why
- Prosecutors allege he gathered information related to the Russian war against Ukraine and NATO’s eastern flank for Russian intelligence.
German prosecutors
Moscow
Allegation
German prosecutors
Prosecutors allege Vadym Y. gathered military-related information for Russian intelligence.
Moscow
Moscow has denied allegations of Russian espionage and other wrongdoing, according to DW.
Prosecutors say Vadym Y. had contact with Russian intelligence through an intermediary.
An investigating judge issued an arrest warrant, according to the Kyiv Independent.
German authorities arrested Vadym Y. in Brandenburg.
A judge was due to decide whether Vadym Y. would remain in pretrial detention.
- Suspect
- Vadym Y., a Ukrainian citizen
- Arrest location
- Brandenburg, Germany
- Reported district
- Oder-Spree
- Contact with Russian intelligence
- Since at least July 2025
- Information allegedly collected
- Armored vehicles, ammunition, explosives, military personnel and facilities on NATO’s eastern flank
- Court hearing
- Scheduled for October 23, 2026
5 sources
What people are saying
the arrest did not surprise him
We are noting that we face a significant sabotage threat overall for [Germany's armed forces]
Germany is at risk of being drawn into a violent conflict with Russia.