In a significant diplomatic confrontation, Germany has declared a Russian military intelligence officer persona non grata and ordered his immediate expulsion from the country. The dramatic move follows the arrest of a German-Ukrainian businesswoman, identified as Ilona W., on charges of operating as a Russian spy.
The German Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s ambassador to Berlin on Thursday, delivering a firm protest against what it characterized as ‘a hostile act’ of espionage. The ministry explicitly stated that intelligence operations conducted under diplomatic cover are ‘completely unacceptable’ on German soil.
The expelled individual, identified as Andrei M. and formally serving as deputy military attaché at the Russian embassy, was allegedly an operative of Russia’s GRU military intelligence service. According to intelligence assessments, he operated as the handler for Ilona W., coordinating her espionage activities targeting Germany’s military infrastructure and Ukraine support operations.
Ilona W., who maintained extensive contacts within German political and business circles, stands accused of leveraging her connections with current and former Defense Ministry personnel to gather sensitive intelligence. Her activities reportedly focused on obtaining classified information regarding military aid channels to Ukraine, drone testing facilities, and Germany’s arms manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, prosecutors allege she facilitated her handler’s access to high-level political events in Berlin using false identification documents.
The case emerges against the backdrop of severely deteriorated German-Russian relations following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. German authorities have increasingly expressed concern about Russian intelligence operations targeting Western military support for Kyiv, including suspected sabotage campaigns and disinformation operations.
In a related development, German investigators continue examining the involvement of two former defense officials—a recently retired staff officer and a former senior civil servant—who are suspected of providing sensitive information to the alleged spy. The ongoing investigation seeks to determine whether these individuals were aware the intelligence was being channeled to Russian operatives.
Russian diplomatic representatives have thus far declined to comment on the allegations or the expulsion order, maintaining silence amid the escalating diplomatic crisis.