Sabotage Plot Targets Russian-Linked Transport
German federal prosecutors said on Wednesday that three Ukrainian nationals were arrested in Germany and Switzerland on suspicion of plotting sabotage attacks on transport routes linked to Russia. The three are suspected of planning arson and explosive attacks inside Germany on behalf of individuals believed to be working for Russian state actors.
As per officials, the suspects planned to dispatch packages filled with explosives from Germany to Ukraine that would explode on transit. The operation is being investigated as a foreign intelligence effort aimed at destabilizing key infrastructure within Germany.
German and Swiss arrests
Two suspects, Vladyslav T. and Daniil B., were detained in the German cities of Cologne and Konstanz, respectively. The third, Yevhen B., was arrested in Switzerland’s Thurgau canton and awaits extradition to Germany.
Prosecutors reported that in March, Vladyslav T. shipped two test packages containing GPS trackers from Cologne, with coordination and material allegedly supplied by the other two suspects. All three are facing investigation for foreign intelligence activity and sabotage planning.
Germany Tightens Security Amid Russian Threats
The arrests follow as German officials become increasingly alarmed at Russian-backed sabotage activities in Europe. Berlin has been a strong ally of Ukraine, both militarily and financially, since Russia invaded in 2022.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke to parliament, blaming Russia for waging a campaign of aggression throughout Europe, including cyberattacks, espionage, and disinformation.
Berlin-Moscow Relations at a New Low
Germany’s relations with Moscow have emphatically cooled as a result of its backing of Ukraine and imposing sanctions. Russian involvement in sabotage attempts, Russia claims, is denied. German politicians, however, assert their allegiance to Kyiv once more.
“There can be no uncertainty where we stand on the side of the attacked country,” Merz stressed.
