Ukrainian national arrested in Brandenburg on suspicion of spying for Russia
German authorities say the 53-year-old Ukrainian from Luhansk allegedly gathered information on armoured vehicle production, munitions and NATO eastern‑front facilities for Russia.
German investigators detained a 53-year-old Ukrainian national in Brandenburg on Thursday, October 22, 2026, on suspicion of gathering military-related information for a Russian intelligence service.
The suspect, identified in German charging documents as Vadim J., is from the Luhansk region, which was annexed by Russia. Authorities say he showed interest in a German brigade stationed in Lithuania and allegedly collected technical and operational information tied to NATO’s eastern flank.
Allegations and contacts with Russian intelligence
The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) arrested the man after an investigation that, according to prosecutors, found he had sought details about the production of armored vehicles, ammunition and explosive materials. Investigators say he also gathered information about personnel and military facilities used to secure NATO’s eastern front.
Prosecutors in Karlsruhe stated that some of the material the suspect gathered was publicly available, while other information was obtained through targeted approaches to employees in the European defence industry. They say that since July 2025 he had been in contact with a Russian intelligence service via an intermediary and that "given his personal convictions, in the war he takes the side of Russia — and against Ukraine."
The Federal Prosecutor's Office in Karlsruhe has charged Vadim J. with conducting espionage activities in Germany. The investigation remains ongoing and authorities have not released further operational details.
Photo: press material from the event
