German prosecutors have charged a Ukrainian national with involvement in a Russian-linked explosives “sabotage plot,” although Russia has previously denied involvement in similar incidents.
Prosecutors said on Monday that Yevgen B. had recruited two other accomplices to send packages from Cologne to areas of Ukraine not controlled by Russian forces. The package contained a tracking device and incendiary material, which was to be ignited either in Germany or en route.
Politico magazine reported that Evgen B. was arrested in Switzerland in May last year and extradited to Germany in December 2025, but the alleged plot was thwarted before the explosion took place.
The new charges add to Europe’s concerns about Russia’s alleged “hybrid operations,” including sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
The report found that the number of Russian-linked arson and serious acts of sabotage across Europe rose to 34 in 2024, compared to 12 the previous year and just two in 2022, according to previous research.
Meanwhile, Norwegian security officials predicted on February 6 that Russian intelligence operations will intensify in 2026, suggesting targets include military installations, allied training, and support for Ukraine.
NATO and European Union officials are scheduled to discuss transatlantic defense cooperation and Russian influence at the Munich Security Conference starting next Friday.
