Germany Expels Russian Diplomat After Spy Arrest Tied to Military Intelligence
BERLIN : Germany on Thursday expelled a Russian diplomat suspected of handling a woman arrested for espionage, escalating tensions between Moscow and the NATO member state.
“The German government will not tolerate espionage in Germany — especially not under the guise of diplomatic status,” the Foreign Ministry said on X, announcing the expulsion of the individual linked to Russia’s intelligence activities.
The case emerged Wednesday when Berlin police arrested a German-Ukrainian businesswoman, partially identified as Ilona W., who allegedly gathered information on German military aid to Ukraine, drone test sites, and the arms industry. She is also accused of assisting her Russian handler in attending political events under a false identity to build contacts.
Reports indicate the handler, identified by Der Spiegel as Andrei M., is an officer in Russia’s GRU military intelligence service using diplomatic cover as deputy military attache. Berlin ordered him to leave the country within 72 hours.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called the incident “a hostile act” and emphasized that intelligence operations under diplomatic cover are “completely unacceptable.”
Investigations also involve two former German Defense Ministry officials suspected of providing Ilona W. with sensitive information, though it remains unclear whether they knew it was destined for Russian intelligence.
Russia’s embassy dismissed the allegations as “a ridiculous, hastily concocted provocation,” warning that Berlin’s actions would not go unanswered.
The arrested woman was remanded in custody after appearing before a judge Thursday. She had previously participated in German-Russian forums such as the Petersburger Dialog, though her influence was reportedly limited.
