BERLIN

German authorities arrested three foreign nationals suspected of planning sabotage attacks on behalf of Russian intelligence services, authorities announced Tuesday.

The suspects planned to carry out sophisticated arson and explosive attacks targeting German freight transport infrastructure, in coordination with suspected Russian state operatives, according to a statement from the Federal Prosecutor's Office.

Two suspects, identified as Vladyslav T. and Daniil B., were arrested on May 9 and May 10 in Cologne and Constance respectively. A third suspect, Yevhen B., was detained in Switzerland's Thurgau canton on May 13, according to the statement. All three suspects were Ukrainian citizens.

According to the Federal Prosecutor's Office, the suspects planned to send packages containing incendiary and explosive devices from Germany to recipients in Ukraine, with the devices designed to detonate during transport. To scout potential transport routes, suspect Vladyslav T. sent two test packages from Cologne containing GPS trackers in late March 2025, prosecutors have stated.

The suspects face charges for espionage and planned acts of violence, specifically for acting as foreign agents engaged in sabotage activities.

Germany's relations with Russia have deteriorated dramatically since the war in Ukraine began in 2022. Berlin has accused Moscow of violating international law, suspended bilateral cooperation, and imposed strict economic sanctions. German politicians have consistently pointed to Russia's use of hybrid warfare tactics — including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and sabotage attempts — to undermine Western support for Ukraine.