German authorities arrested three Ukrainian nationals accused of plotting arson and explosive package attacks allegedly on behalf of Russian state interests in Germany and Switzerland in March 2024.

In March 2024, German state prosecutors announced the arrest of three Ukrainian nationals in Cologne, Konstanz (Germany), and Thurgau (Switzerland) for allegedly plotting arson and explosive attacks on freight transport. The suspects declared willingness to ship parcels containing explosive and incendiary devices from Germany to Ukraine that would detonate during transit, purportedly acting on behalf of Russian authorities. Two additional men, Yevhen B and Daniil B, are accused of aiding the shipment and package contents. German officials have linked these arrests to a broader pattern of Russian hybrid warfare targeting European countries, including sabotage incidents like fires at retail stores in Vilnius and Poland, undersea cable attacks in the Baltic Sea, drone surveillance near military bases, and influence attempts during Germany’s February 2024 parliamentary elections. Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the actions as systemic espionage and sabotage orchestrated by the Russian leadership. German intelligence warned previously of aggressive Russian actions, including a narrowly averted plane fire from an explosive parcel. Other suspects were also arrested for staged vandalism targeting German Green party vehicles with apparent Russian direction.