BERLIN — German federal prosecutors have taken into custody a dual German-Ukrainian citizen suspected of conducting espionage operations on behalf of Russian intelligence services. The individual, identified under German privacy regulations as Ilona W., was apprehended in Berlin following an extensive investigation into her activities.
According to official statements, Ilona W. established contact with a known Russian intelligence operative stationed at the Russian Embassy in Berlin as early as November 2023. Prosecutors allege she systematically provided sensitive information regarding Ukraine’s military capabilities, including detailed intelligence on defense industry locations, experimental drone testing protocols, and scheduled weapon deliveries to Ukrainian forces.
The suspect reportedly leveraged her personal connections with former German Defense Ministry personnel to acquire classified information. Additionally, she facilitated her Russian contact’s access to high-level political events in Berlin using fabricated identities, enabling the intelligence officer to establish networks and gather information for Russian interests.
Concurrent with the arrest, German authorities executed search warrants at multiple locations, including the primary suspect’s residence and properties belonging to two additional individuals under investigation. Defense Ministry spokesperson Mitko Müller confirmed the investigation involves two former military employees—one recently retired officer and a civilian employee who departed over fifteen years ago. Both are suspected of unlawfully sharing information with Ilona W., though investigators are determining whether they were aware the intelligence would ultimately reach foreign agents.
The case emerges amid heightened security concerns across Europe regarding Russian espionage activities, particularly those related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. German authorities have intensified counter-intelligence operations to prevent sensitive military information from reaching hostile foreign entities.