Germany arrests three Ukrainians accused of plotting explosions for Russia

German prosecutors said Wednesday (May 14) that three Ukrainian nationals have been arrested in Germany and Switzerland over an alleged plot to carry out sabotage attacks on goods transports linked to Russia, as tensions between Moscow and Berlin continue to escalate.

The suspects are accused of offering to commit arson and explosive attacks inside Germany on behalf of individuals believed to be acting for Russian state authorities, according to a statement from federal prosecutors.

Authorities allege the group planned to mail explosive devices from Germany to Ukraine, where the packages would detonate during transportation. The plot is being treated as an act of foreign intelligence service activity intended to destabilize German infrastructure.

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Two of the suspects, identified only as Vladyslav T. and Daniil B. in accordance with German privacy laws, were arrested in the German cities of Cologne and Konstanz. The third, Yevhen B., was detained in the Swiss canton of Thurgau and is expected to be extradited to Germany and brought before a judge.

Test packages and explosives plot

Prosecutors said Vladyslav T. posted two test packages containing GPS trackers in Cologne in late March. The operation was allegedly coordinated by Yevhen B., who supplied the contents of the packages through Daniil B.

All three are “strongly suspected” of working as foreign agents and planning acts of sabotage, including arson and explosive attacks, prosecutors said. Vladyslav T. and Daniil B. have been remanded in custody.

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The arrests come amid heightened concern in Berlin over Russian-sponsored sabotage efforts in Europe, particularly as Germany continues to provide military and economic support to Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Germany on alert for Russian interference

In a speech to parliament Wednesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Moscow of orchestrating a broad campaign of aggression against European states that includes cyberattacks, espionage, disinformation campaigns, and targeted killings.

“These are overwhelmingly the work of the Russian government and its helpers,” Merz said. “Russia is engaging in deliberate attempts at division and destabilisation.”

Germany, Ukraine’s second-largest military backer after the United States, has been rocked by a series of suspected Russian plots in recent years. Intelligence agencies have linked Moscow to cyberattacks on political parties, the recruitment of low-level operatives for sabotage operations, and the alleged penetration of Germany’s own intelligence services.

In a separate case, European security officials believe Russian operatives were behind a plot to plant explosive devices on cargo planes last year. Parcels exploded at two DHL depots in July, though no casualties were reported.

Moscow-Berlin relations at historic low

Germany’s ties with Russia have deteriorated sharply since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Berlin has joined Western allies in imposing sweeping sanctions on Moscow and has ramped up military support for Kyiv.

Despite Russian denials of involvement in the alleged sabotage and espionage campaigns, German officials have vowed to remain vigilant and continue supporting Ukraine.

“There must be no doubt where we stand,” Merz said. “Namely, on the side of this attacked country.”

With inputs from AFP