German authorities have arrested two German-Russian nationals on suspicion of planning sabotage attacks, including on U.S. military facilities, as part of an effort to undermine military support for Ukraine. The suspects are accused of working for a foreign secret service, with one of them, identified as Dieter S., discussing possible plots with a person linked to the Russian secret service since October 2023. Germany has become one of Ukraine’s largest suppliers of military aid since Russia’s invasion in 2022, making it a major target for Russian spying operations.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described the arrests as preventing possible explosive attacks targeting military assistance to Ukraine and characterized the alleged spy activity as a serious case for Putin’s regime. Dieter S. was reportedly prepared to carry out bomb and arson attacks on military facilities, including those used by U.S. forces, and had taken photos and videos of military transport and equipment. The facilities targeted included the Grafenwoehr army base in Bavaria, where Ukrainian soldiers are trained to use U.S. Abrams tanks. The Kremlin denied knowledge of the arrests, and the U.S. embassy had yet to comment on the situation.
Prosecutors suspect that Dieter S. was a fighter for Russian-backed forces in eastern Ukraine from December 2014 to September 2016 in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. He was found to be in possession of a firearm. This incident is the latest in a series of espionage cases involving Russian influence in Germany, with a separate case last month where an officer in the military procurement agency was charged with attempting to pass secret information to Russian intelligence. The arrests coincided with German Economy Minister Robert Habeck’s surprise trip to Ukraine and Germany’s issuance of an urgent appeal for countries to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses in the face of continued Russian attacks.
Overall, the arrests highlight the ongoing tensions between Russia and Germany, particularly with regard to Ukraine. Germany’s significant military aid role for Ukraine has made it a key target for Russian spying operations, as demonstrated by the alleged sabotage plot involving the two German-Russian nationals. German authorities have emphasized their commitment to supporting Ukraine and standing firm against intimidation, following the arrests. The case underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, as well as the challenges posed by foreign espionage and efforts to undermine security and stability in Ukraine. Efforts to enhance Germany’s military capabilities and deter future threats are likely to be a focal point in the aftermath of these arrests.
