Two German-Russian nationals have been arrested in Germany on suspicion of spying for Russia and collecting information on potential attack targets, including U.S. military facilities. The men, identified as Dieter S. and Alexander J., were working with a Russian secret service agent to undermine international military support for Ukraine. Dieter S. is believed to be a former fighter for pro-Kremlin forces in eastern Ukraine, with authorities accusing him of making arrangements for an explosive or arson attack in Germany. The arrests took place in Bayreuth, Bavaria, with the Federal Criminal Police Office conducting searches of their homes and workplaces.
The men are accused of carrying out activities for sabotage purposes and obtaining security-threatening depictions of military installations. Dieter S. had been in contact with a person connected to the Russian secret service since October 2023, discussing possible sabotage operations in Germany. The goal was to undermine military support provided to Ukraine from Germany in response to the Russian war of aggression. Dieter S. collected information about potential attack targets, including U.S. military facilities, by taking photos and videos at multiple sites, which were passed on to his Russian secret service contact. Alexander J. is alleged to have assisted him in these efforts.
Dieter S. appeared in court and was placed in pre-trial detention, while Alexander J. was scheduled to appear in court the following day. A separate arrest warrant accuses Dieter S. of membership in a foreign terrorist organization and preparation of a serious act of violence endangering the state. He is suspected of being active as a pro-Russian soldier in the armed wing of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, participating in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by Russian spies across Europe, with Ukraine previously warning about their activities in Germany.
The former coordinator of Ukraine’s war cabinet, Oleksiy Danilov, has raised concerns about the presence of a Russian spy network in Germany. He noted that Russian intelligence operatives are known to eavesdrop on German officials and engage in espionage activities. Germany has accused Russia of engaging in an information war, particularly after Russian state media published a private discussion among high-ranking German military officers regarding support for Ukraine. Despite being the second-largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine after the U.S., Germany has faced internal debates over its level of support for the conflict.
German officials have pledged to continue supporting Ukraine and not be intimidated by Russian espionage activities. Justice Minister Marco Buschmann emphasized the need for resolute action against the threat posed by the Russian power apparatus. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser reiterated Germany’s commitment to providing significant support to Ukraine while also standing firm against Russian influence. These arrests and allegations of espionage underscore the complex security challenges faced by European countries amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
