Two German-Russian men have been arrested in Bavaria on suspicion of spying for Russia and planning attacks in Germany, including on U.S. army targets, to undermine military support for Ukraine. The main accused, Dieter S., is alleged to have scouted potential targets for acts of sabotage, discussing these plans with a person linked to Russian intelligence services since October 2023. Dieter S. allegedly expressed readiness to commit explosive and arson attacks on military infrastructure and industrial sites in Germany, including facilities of the U.S. armed forces. He collected information about potential targets by taking photos and videos of military transport and equipment, sharing this information with his contact person.
The accused, Dieter S. and Alexander J., began working together in March 2024, with Alexander J. assisting Dieter S. in the espionage activities. The military facilities spied on reportedly included the U.S. army base in Grafenwoehr in Bavaria. Dieter S. is also facing an additional charge of belonging to a foreign terrorist organization, suspected of being a fighter in an armed unit of eastern Ukraine’s self-proclaimed pro-Russian “People’s Republic of Donetsk” from 2014-2016. This case of suspected espionage is being described as a particularly serious one by prosecutors, with Interior Minister Faeser calling it a threat plan that Germany is committed to thwarting in support of Ukraine.
Germany is a significant supporter of Ukraine, providing the country with military aid and assistance. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck was in Kyiv on a surprise visit when news of the spy arrests broke, affirming Germany’s commitment to continue providing Ukraine with support and not allowing themselves to be intimidated by such actions. Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, Germany has been shaken by multiple cases of alleged spying for Russia, raising concerns about the relationship between the two countries. A former German intelligence officer is currently on trial in Berlin for allegedly passing information to Moscow, while a German man was given a suspended sentence for passing information to Russian intelligence in a separate case.
Justice Minister Marco Buschmann emphasized the need for resistance and determination in responding to the threat posed by Russian espionage activities in Germany. Russian authorities have also been cracking down on individuals accused of aiding Kyiv and the West since the invasion, with treason charges leveled against dozens of people. In a recent case, a resident of Siberia was sentenced to 12 years in jail for attempting to pass secrets to the German government in exchange for assistance in relocating there. The espionage showdown between Russia and Ukraine has escalated tensions between the two countries and their allies, with both sides engaging in covert activities to gain strategic advantages in the ongoing conflict.
