Verdict expected for alleged Russian agents accused of planning arson attacks in Germany

A verdict is expected today at the Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart concerning three young Ukrainian men accused of plotting attacks in Germany under the direction of Russian intelligence services. The Federal Prosecutor's Office has charged the men, aged 22, 25, and 30, with espionage and conspiracy to commit arson attacks at the behest of a Russian intelligence agency.

“

The Ukrainians are accused of planning attacks in Germany on behalf of Russia.

According to the Federal Prosecutor's investigation, the trio were allegedly part of a sabotage plan targeting the transport routes of a parcel delivery service. The charges state that in March 2025, the men sent two packages containing GPS trackers via a Ukrainian postal service towards Ukraine, acting on orders from a Russian intelligence service. The purpose was reportedly to gather information on routes and transport logistics for the parcel company.

The next phase of the alleged plan involved sending packages containing incendiary devices designed to ignite during transit. The accused men had reportedly agreed to send these packages, but prosecutors claim they were apprehended during the preparation phase. In their closing arguments, the Federal Prosecutor requested prison sentences ranging from 2 years and 9 months to 4 years and 3 months, while the defense attorneys sought acquittals for their clients.

“

The case reminds of other incidents.

This case echoes previous incidents, including a 2024 event where a parcel ignited at a DHL logistics center in Leipzig, which security circles suspect was placed on behalf of Russia. Earlier in August, a drone equipped with explosives was discovered near Ukrainian transport aircraft at Leipzig Airport. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has described such incidents as "hybrid" attacks by "foreign powers."

“

hybrid attack by foreign powers