German court convicts Ukrainian in arson plot

A German court has convicted a Ukrainian man for his involvement in an alleged plot to commit arson attacks on behalf of Russian intelligence services. The Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart sentenced him to one year and three months in prison. Two other Ukrainian defendants were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The 30-year-old Ukrainian was found guilty of spying for sabotage; his pre-trial detention means he will be released. The Federal Prosecutor General's Office detailed a sabotage operation targeting parcel delivery service transport routes. These routes are critical infrastructure. Prosecutors stated the three men were arrested in May 2025 across Germany and Switzerland. The arrests were the culmination of an intensive investigation. They were accused of sending two parcels with GPS trackers to Ukraine in March 2025, allegedly under Russian intelligence instructions via intermediaries in Mariupol. The objective was to gather data on delivery routes and procedures. This intelligence was crucial for understanding logistics. The alleged next step involved sending parcels with incendiary devices designed to ignite in transit within Germany or en route to parts of Ukraine not occupied by Russia. The intent was to cause damage, undermine public security, disrupt vital services, and create fear. The men agreed to the plan but were detained during preparation, before any devices were dispatched. This case highlights Western concerns about suspected Russian-backed hybrid operations in Europe. German authorities described the convicted man as a likely "throwaway agent", suggesting he was considered expendable.