German authorities have arrested two German-Russian men in Bayreuth, Germany, on suspicion of espionage. The individuals, identified as Dieter S. and Alexander J., were apprehended for allegedly planning attacks on potential targets, including U.S. military facilities, with the aim of disrupting aid for Ukraine.
According to federal prosecutors, Dieter S. had been in discussions with a person connected to Russian intelligence since October regarding possible acts of sabotage in Germany. The primary objective was to undermine the military support provided by Germany to Ukraine. Dieter S. expressed willingness to carry out bombing and arson attacks on military infrastructure and industrial sites in Germany. He collected information on potential targets, including U.S. military facilities, with the assistance of Alexander J., who allegedly aided him in this endeavor.
Dieter S. reportedly scouted out some of the sites, capturing photos and videos of military equipment, which he then passed on to his intelligence contact. Following their arrest, Dieter S. was ordered to remain in custody pending a potential indictment, while Alexander J. was scheduled for a closed-doors court appearance.
In addition to the espionage charges, Dieter S. also faces allegations of being part of an armed unit of pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine between December 2014 and September 2016. Germany has emerged as the second-largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine after the United States since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over two years ago. The presence of U.S. military facilities in Germany adds a significant dimension to the case, underscoring the potential severity of the espionage activities.
