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.
The Russian Embassy in Berlin did not immediately respond to a request for .
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.
(Writing by Linda PasquiniAdditional reporting by Cian MuensterEditing by Ludwig Burger, Alexandra Hudson)
Ilona W., accused of espionage, allegedly maintained with a Russian embassy intelligence officer since late 2023 and gathered defense policy and industry information through former ministry contacts ( apnews.com ).
Germany’s actions include expelling the suspected handler at the Russian embassy and summoning the Russian ambassador, underscoring its zero‑tolerance stance on espionage under diplomatic cover ( amp.dw.com ).
This case comes amid a surge of Russian hybrid threats—including sabotage, drone attacks, and disinformation—prompting Germany to elevate its threat level and bolster counter‑hybrid defenses via task forces and a new Hybrid Threats Centre ( euronews.com )
Prosecutors charge German-Ukrainian woman with aiding Russian intelligence
Germany expels Russian diplomat over spying case
Between peace and war: Germany's battle against hybrid threats | Euronews
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