Germany charges Ukrainian national over suspected spying for Russia

Prosecutors in Düsseldorf have filed charges against a man suspected of spying on behalf of Russian intelligence, German outlet ntv reported, as cited by Yevropeiska Pravda.

The accused is a 53-year-old Ukrainian citizen from Attendorn in the Sauerland region. According to a prosecutor's office representative, he is strongly suspected of having worked for Russian intelligence since at least November 2025.

Allegedly tracked a man in Germany

The man is accused of collecting information about another man living in Germany who had taken part in combat on the side of Ukraine's armed forces following the start of Russia's aggression. He allegedly passed this information to Russian intelligence up until his arrest on March 27, 2026.

The Düsseldorf prosecutor's office said the espionage operation likely also served as preparation for further intelligence activities in Germany.

Previous cases

This is not the first such case in Germany — in early August, a 33-year-old Ukrainian citizen was arrested there on suspicion of spying on a defense company. Lithuania has also recently reported uncovering a spy working for Russia.