A German-Ukrainian woman, identified only as Ilona W., was arrested in Berlin on Wednesday, January 21st, on suspicion of spying for Russia, including passing on information about military aid to Ukraine, prosecutors said. Authorities allege that Ilona W. had maintained contacts with the Russian embassy in Berlin since at least November 2023, gathering intelligence on behalf of Moscow.
Prosecutors stated that the suspect “compiled background information on participants in high-profile political events and gathered information on arms industry sites, drone tests, and planned deliveries of drones to Ukraine.” She reportedly leveraged personal acquaintances with prior experience in Germany’s defence sector to collect further sensitive information.
Ilona W. allegedly helped a Russian handler use a false identity to attend political events and establish useful contacts in Berlin. Her residence, along with those of two other unnamed suspects, was raided by police Wednesday morning. Two suspects remain at large.
The arrest comes amid heightened concern across Europe over Russian espionage, cyber attacks, drone surveillance, and disinformation campaigns.
Earlier on Wednesday, German police also arrested two men, a Russian and a German citizen, accused of funneling cash and equipment separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.
