Published March 17, 2026 — last updated March 17, 2026
Three Ukrainian nationals are facing espionage charges in Stuttgart after being accused of planting GPS devices in postal packages bound for Ukraine to gather intelligence for Moscow. The men, aged 22, 25 and 30 and living in Germany, allegedly carried out tracking operations from Konstanz and Cologne. Prosecutors also say they attempted to place explosives in packages destined for Germany or parts of Ukraine under Russian occupation. The case is the latest in a series of espionage matters that have increased since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The three are accused of monitoring how items are shipped from the EU to Ukraine by attaching tracking devices to parcels. Investigators say the information was passed on to Russian contacts. The trial opened in Stuttgart amid heightened attention to such suspected foreign operations on German soil.
Fresh strikes hit public transport across several states, causing major disruptions. The Ver.di union has called walkouts affecting Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg, with Bremen, Hesse and Brandenburg poised to follow if pay and working conditions talks fail. Ver.di has also announced a planned strike at Berlin-Brandenburg airport that could cancel hundreds of flights and affect tens of thousands of passengers. Transport workers cite long hours and wages that have not kept pace with inflation.
In cultural news, a ballet about Rudolf Nureyev that was banned in Russia over its depiction of same-sex relationships will premiere in Berlin. “Nureyev” portrays the life of the Soviet-born dancer who defected to France in 1961, later led the Paris Opera Ballet, and died in 1993. The production — canceled and then banned in Russia — has found a stage in Germany; former Bolshoi dancer David Soares stars in the title role.
Political developments: Chancellor Friedrich Merz is hosting European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Berlin for talks during her two-day visit to Germany.
What you need to know:
– Three Ukrainians are accused of using tracking devices to spy on EU-to-Ukraine shipments at Moscow’s behest.
– Public transport workers are striking for better pay and working conditions across several states.
– European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is visiting Berlin.
Image caption: The three men are accused of planting GPS devices in packages bound for Ukraine (Image: Michael Bihlmayer/CHROMORANGE/picture alliance)