BERLIN (AP) — Germany's federal prosecutor's office said Monday it had filed charges against a German-Ukrainian woman suspected of acting on behalf of Russian intelligence.
The woman, who was only identified as Ilona W. in line with German privacy rules, is accused of having been in contact with a full-time intelligence officer at the Russian Embassy in Berlin at least since Oct. 2023, the prosecutor's statement said.
The defendant ran a marketing agency in Berlin and was also the chairwoman of a lobbying group. As a result, she had an extensive network in military and political circles, prosecutors said.
Over the course of several years, the woman provided the intelligence officer at the Russian embassy with numerous tips about high-profile events and ensured that he could attend them — sometimes under a false name. This was intended to enable him to build his own network for intelligence purposes, the statement said.
To identify contacts and potential targets, she also attended such events herself. Furthermore, the defendant attempted to recruit individuals from the German Ministry of Defense and the defense industry for her own purposes, prosecutors alleged.
On behalf of her contact at the Russian embassy, the defendant sought information on German defense policy and the defense industry, particularly in light of Russia's war on Ukraine.
The woman was arrested in January and charges were filed on Sept. 6. She remains in pretrial detention.
The Russian flag flies on the roof of the Russian Embassy in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. (Kay Nietfeld/dpa via AP)
ROVANIEMI, Finland (AP) — European leaders were meeting Monday to discuss growing competition in the Arctic, where global warming is opening new shipping routes, governments are vying for vast natural resources and a Russian military buildup is heightening security concerns.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen were among leaders expected for the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, a city perhaps best known for its Santa Claus village.
The two-day gathering that began Sunday comes on the heels of a Norwegian seizure of a Russian vessel earlier this month in the remote Arctic archipelago of Svalbard at the request of Ukraine, drawing the condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters as the meetings got under way that the Arctic was “very important" for European security and prosperity, and a “clear picture” and “common understanding” were needed.
“We have natural resources. We have new sea routes because of climate change. But also we have threats. That’s why we need concrete actions,” he said. “There is so much we can do together.”
The Centres for European Policy Network, a think tank, noted the “extremely dynamic backdrop” for the summit.
It cited factors like accelerating climate change, China's growing trade through the Arctic, and conflict around the Strait of Hormuz, which has raised the importance of the Northeast Passage for maritime shipments.
The meeting serves as a “dress rehearsal” for a looming revamp of the European Union's Arctic policy expected to be released this autumn, with security at the center of the strategy for the first time, the group said.
Climate change has been thinning the Arctic ice, promising to create a northwest passage for international trade and reigniting competition with Russia, China and other countries over access to the region’s mineral resources.
Meanwhile, the European bloc has been grappling with its response to U.S. President Donald Trump's persistent pressure over Greenland, a self-governing territory of EU member country Denmark. He has repeatedly said the icy, resource-rich island should be part of the United States. Greenland’s government opposes U.S. designs on the island.
Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered 200 million euros ($232 million) in EU support over the next two years to help Greenland tackle climate change, boost internet connections and improve hydropower plants, fisheries and education.
Separately Monday, President Alexander Stubb of Finland announced his country was joining France’s “forward deterrence” program that aims to leverage the French nuclear arsenal for European defense. Ten countries have now joined, including Britain, Germany and Finland’s Nordic neighbor countries.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo arrives ahead of the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)
Members at the First Working Session of The European Arctic Summit meet in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noel Barrot, from left, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Security Policy Kaja Kallas, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, President of the European Council António Costa, Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela and President of Romania Nicușor Dan pose for a family photo during the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)
Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs speaks to the media during the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)
President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda speaks with members of the media during the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)
European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas speaks to the media during the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)
Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz speaks to media during the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)
