German-Ukrainian Woman Charged with Espionage for Russia Amid Rising Tensions
Espionage Case Unfolds Amid Heightened Security Concerns
Prosecutors Detail Charges and Alleged Activities
Sept 14 (Reuters) - German prosecutors have charged a German-Ukrainian woman with spying for Russia, as Berlin steps up efforts to counter what it sees as an escalating hybrid threat from Moscow.
In a statement, the federal prosecutors' office said Ilona W, whose surname was not shared due to German privacy laws, is accused of having maintained contacts with an intelligence service officer in the Russian embassy in Berlin since at least October 2023.
Alleged Methods of Intelligence Gathering
She gathered information on Germany's defence policy and industry by befriending former defence ministry staff, according to the statement on Monday. She remains in pre-trial detention, prosecutors said.
Russian Embassy's Response
The Russian Embassy in Berlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Broader Context: Rising Russian Espionage Threats
German officials and security services across Europe have warned of a growing threat from Russian intelligence agencies seeking to deter Western powers from backing Ukraine against Russia's full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.
Diplomatic Fallout and Immediate Repercussions
A day after Ilona W. was arrested on January 21, Germany expelled a member of Russia's diplomatic service on suspicion of espionage and summoned the Russian ambassador over the matter.
Reporting Credits
(Writing by Linda PasquiniAdditional reporting by Cian MuensterEditing by Ludwig Burger, Alexandra Hudson)
