US and European officials warn that Russia uses recognition drones to monitor the routes by which the US and its allies carry military provisions to Eastern Germany. Flights raise fears about new sabotage actions on Europe.
Russia spy up German military routes with Photone Drone: Getty Images
According to some US and Western officials quoted by The New York Times, Russia or its representatives launch unanswered recognition aircraft above the routes by which the United States and their allies send military supplies through eastern Germany. The information obtained could be used to support the Kremlin sabotage campaigns.
The Americans and the Germans have already discussed these risks, in the context in which, in May, three Ukrainian men were arrested, being accused of plot with Russian ties.
Russia's sabotage campaign
In recent years, Russia has been accused of a series of sabotage actions in Europe: fires in the UK, an attack on a dam in Norway, attempts to cut the underwater cables and other operations meant to bring the war in Ukraine closer to the heart of Europe.
However, Western officials and experts say that the number of these attacks has decreased visibly in 2024, due to increased security measures and intelligence cooperation. “The situation is more difficult for the Russians”Explained Seth Jones, a researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “But it is not unreasonable to assume that the Russians are a little more cautious now, while the negotiations take place.”.
Jones stressed that the attacks increased four times between 2022 and 2023 and again tripled in 2024, but in the first six months of this year only four incidents were recorded.
Exchange of information and security measures
The United States has provided Europe, both under the Biden and Trump administration, information about possible Russian plots. In particular, German intelligence services have been warned about attempts to place explosive devices on board cargo aircraft. The warnings led to the arrest of three Ukrainian citizens in Germany and Switzerland.
The Berlin Federal Prosecutor's Office then stated that the plan was most likely part of a conspiracy meant to affect the logistical infrastructure for commercial transport.
Drones, threat to east Germany
Even if the supervision of Russian espionage is stricter, Moscow continues to recruit people willing to participate in attacks on European territory. Therefore, American and German officials are increasingly concerned about the drones observed in Thuringia, East Germany.
Wirtschaftswache has reported that Germany strengthens its anti-drone systems at military bases. A spokesman of the German army confirmed that flights represent “A considerable risk for security”.
Investigations show that some drones would be manufactured in Iran, and German intelligence services suspect that some of them were launched right from ships in the Baltic Sea.
