A 24-year-old Ukrainian citizen detained in Romania is being investigated for his alleged involvement in a network of agents controlled by Russia, after authorities discovered a clandestine weapons and ammunition depot near Berlin.
The case has raised concerns among German authorities due to the possibility that the suspect may have been part of a sabotage structure linked to Russian security services and dedicated to clandestine operations in various European countries.
According to documents from a Polish investigation, the man traveled by bus from Poland to Berlin on October 1 of last year. Once in the German capital, he allegedly picked up two packages containing handguns in an area located east of the city.
Subsequently, the suspect reportedly transported the weapons to a subterranean hideout located near a lake in southeastern Berlin. After completing the operation, he returned by bus to Poland.
A Ukrainian man was arrested in Romania for being part of an alleged Russian espionage network that planned to carry out attacks in Berlin
The investigation took a turn when the Ukrainian citizen was later arrested in Bucharest, the Romanian capital, along with another Ukrainian citizen. Both are suspected of having participated in sending packages containing incendiary devices via the Ukrainian courier service Nova Post.
According to German media, Romanian intelligence services believe that the two men are part of a network of saboteurs directed by Russian state services. The structure allegedly aims to carry out clandestine operations in various European countries.
The information has not yet been publicly confirmed by German, Polish, or Russian authorities. The Russian embassy in Berlin did not immediately respond to requests for comment. German federal prosecutors also declined to comment on the case, while the Polish internal security agency and the state prosecutor's office also did not respond immediately.
The Ukrainian citizen arrested in Bucharest planned to carry out clandestine operations in Berlin
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt indicated last week that the involvement of a foreign power in the case could not be ruled out. The official described the suspect as a ''low-level agent,'' implying that he may have participated in the operations without necessarily knowing the identity of those directing the network.
Dobrindt also confirmed that the man was detained for his alleged involvement in the preparation of bomb package attacks. German authorities are also considering requesting his extradition from Romania so that he can be investigated or prosecuted in Germany.
The case comes amid growing concern in Europe over possible sabotage, espionage, and other clandestine activities attributed to Russia. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, several European governments have warned about attempts to interfere with infrastructure, political processes, and strategic systems through networks of agents or collaborators.
The German Interior Minister stated that the involvement of a foreign power in the network cannot be ruled out
The possible existence of a structure using Ukrainian citizens to transport weapons and prepare incendiary devices could further complicate the investigations. However, for now, the alleged connection to Russian services remains an investigative hypothesis and not a definitive judicial conclusion.
German authorities will now need to determine what exactly the role of the detainee was, who provided him with the weapons, and whether he had direct or indirect contact with a foreign organization. They will also need to establish whether the weapons depot discovered near Berlin was intended for future attacks.
The case remains open as Germany, Poland, and Romania exchange information. The possible extradition of the suspect to Germany could provide investigators with new leads on the structure, funding, and objectives of the alleged sabotage network linked to Russia.
The Merz government exchanges information with Poland and Romania to clarify the case
