Germany Charges German-Ukrainian Woman Over Alleged Russian Intelligence Ties

Germany's federal prosecutor's office has filed charges against a German-Ukrainian woman suspected of acting on behalf of Russian intelligence, the authority said on Monday.

The defendant, identified only as Ilona W. in keeping with German privacy rules, is accused of maintaining contact with a full-time intelligence officer at the Russian Embassy in Berlin at least since October 2023.

According to prosecutors, the woman ran a marketing agency in Berlin and chaired a lobbying group, giving her an extensive network in military and political circles.

Over several years, she is alleged to have supplied the embassy officer with numerous tips about high-profile events and arranged for him to attend them, at times under a false name. The purpose, prosecutors said, was to help him build his own network for intelligence purposes.

She also attended such events herself to identify contacts and potential targets, the statement said. In addition, prosecutors allege that she tried to recruit individuals from the German Ministry of Defense and the defense industry.

Acting on behalf of her embassy contact, the defendant sought information on German defense policy and the defense industry, particularly in light of Russia's war on Ukraine.

The woman was arrested in January, and charges were filed on September 6. She remains in pretrial detention.