German Prosecutors Charge Three in Alleged Espionage Plot Linked to Russia

German prosecutors have indicted three individuals for an alleged espionage and sabotage plot aimed at disrupting Germany's support for Ukraine in the Russian war.

The charges, announced on Monday, involve plans to attack military and industrial targets within Germany.

According to Deutsche Welle, the main suspect, Dieter S., is a former member of a pro-Russian militia in Ukraine, which Germany classifies as a terrorist group.

Prosecutors claim he was in contact with another former militia member linked to Russian intelligence.

The indictment alleges that S. planned arson and explosive attacks on U.S. military sites, a railway hub, and a tool manufacturing company. One key target was the U.S. Grafenwöhr base in Bavaria, where Ukrainian soldiers are trained to operate American tanks. 

Authorities also believe that S. aimed to sabotage railway lines used to transport military goods and passed photos and videos of potential targets to a Russian agent.

Two other dual German-Russian nationals are accused of assisting in the plot.

The arrests in April led to a diplomatic dispute between Germany and Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the espionage, stating, "We can never accept such activities in Germany."

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock added, "We will not allow Putin to bring his terror to Germany."

In contrast, the Russian Embassy in Berlin rejected the allegations, stating that Germany had failed to provide evidence linking the suspects to Russian intelligence or proving their planned attacks. "No evidence was presented to support the espionage claims," the embassy said.