Germany to try Ukrainian citizen suspected of spying for Russia

The Düsseldorf public prosecutor's office has formally charged a man suspected of espionage on behalf of Russian intelligence. A prosecution spokesperson said the 53-year-old Ukrainian citizen, a resident of Attendorn in the Sauerland region, is under serious suspicion of working for Russian intelligence since at least November 2025.

Tracking a Ukrainian army veteran

The suspect is accused of collecting information about a 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. According to prosecutors, he passed this information to Russian intelligence up until his arrest on March 27, 2026.

Prosecutors stated that the espionage operation likely also served as preparation for further intelligence activities in Germany.

Part of a wider pattern

This is not an isolated case in Germany. In early August, a 33-year-old Ukrainian citizen was arrested in the country on suspicion of spying on a defense company. Similarly, Lithuania has also reported uncovering a spy working for Russia.