Ukrainian detained in Brandenburg for gathering intelligence on NATO military facilities

Detention in the Oder-Spree district

On 22 October, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) detained Ukrainian citizen Vadym Y. He is suspected of conducting intelligence activities for the benefit of Russian intelligence. The operation was carried out in the federal state of Brandenburg, in the Oder-Spree district, based on an arrest warrant issued on 15 October.

Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office provided details of the case. According to the investigation, Vadym Y. established contact with Russian intelligence through an intermediary at least since July 2025.

Collection of information on the defence sector

The suspect is charged with collecting military information on German territory. In particular, he was interested in data on the production of armoured vehicles, ammunition and explosives. He also gathered information on personnel and military facilities in areas responsible for securing NATO's eastern flank.

The investigation established that some of this data was publicly available, but other information was obtained by Vadym Y. deliberately from individuals linked to the European defence industry.

Interest in the 'Lithuanian Brigade'

The publication Der Spiegel notes that among the objects of the spy's attention was the Bundeswehr's 45th Armoured Brigade. This unit is known as the 'Lithuanian Brigade', as it is scheduled to be fully deployed on Lithuanian territory next year and prepared for combat operations.

Court hearing

On 23 October, the suspect will be brought before an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice. At the hearing, the judge will read out the detention order and decide on the application of a preventive measure in the form of pre-trial detention.