German prosecutors have charged a 53-year-old Ukrainian resident of Attendorn with spying for a Russian intelligence service, alleging he operated from at least November 2025. He is accused of gathering information on a man in Germany who fought with Ukrainian armed forces and passing those details until his arrest on March 27, 2026. Authorities say the surveillance likely aimed to enable further Russian intelligence operations. Charges were filed in early September with the state security division of the Dusseldorf Higher Regional Court.
Germany Charges 53-Year-Old Ukrainian Resident With Spying for Russian Intelligence
FILE PHOTO - A general view of an entrance to the Higher Regional Court (OLG). (is associated with: «Ukrainian national charged in Germany with spying for Russia») David Young/dpa
German prosecutors have charged a 53-year-old Ukrainian national living in Attendorn, North Rhine-Westphalia, with spying on behalf of a Russian intelligence service, the Dusseldorf Public Prosecutor General's Office said on Tuesday.
According to the prosecutors, the suspect is believed to have worked for the Russian service since at least November 2025. He is accused of collecting and passing information about a man in Germany who had taken part in combat operations with the Ukrainian armed forces following Russia's full-scale invasion.
Prosecutors say the exchange of information continued up to the suspect's arrest on March 27, 2026. They added that the surveillance was likely intended to prepare or facilitate further intelligence operations against the targeted individual in Germany.
Legal action: The charges were filed in early September with the state security division of the Dusseldorf Higher Regional Court. The case is now with the court's state security chamber, which handles matters related to espionage and national security.
Prosecutors have not released the names of the suspect or the targeted individual, citing the sensitivity of the investigation and ongoing legal proceedings.
This development highlights continuing concerns in Europe about foreign intelligence activity linked to the conflict in Ukraine and the protection of individuals who fought with Ukrainian forces.
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