FSB Detains German National, Accuses Him of Serving as Ukrainian Mercenary

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced Wednesday the detention of a German citizen on charges of mercenary activity, identifying him as an active participant in the Ukrainian armed forces.

The announcement coincided with Moscow’s release of Stephen Hubbard, a retired U.S. teacher who had been held for years on similar allegations he denied.

Since the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian authorities have detained numerous foreign nationals, frequently accusing them of assisting Kyiv’s war effort.

The German Foreign Ministry acknowledged the reports but declined to comment on the specifics of the case.

FSB Details Allegations Against Detainee

In a statement disseminated by Russian state media, the FSB described the detainee as a former Bundeswehr soldier and trained sniper. While withholding his name, the agency released a brief video clip featuring a man speaking German.

According to the security service, the individual served in the Bundeswehr from 1996 to 2010, with deployments to Afghanistan and Somalia between 2004 and 2010. The FSB further alleged he subsequently worked as a mercenary during the Syrian civil war.

From 2016 to 2018, the agency claims he fought against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, prior to the full-scale invasion. The FSB asserts he returned to Ukraine in 2025 as a “mercenary” operating in the contested Donetsk region before deserting over unpaid wages.

The statement did not explain how or why the man, reportedly born in 1976, came to be in Russian custody, nor did it disclose the location or circumstances of his arrest.

Berlin’s Measured Response

A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed Berlin was aware of the Russian reports but stated the ministry would not comment on the individual case or its details at this time.

German spy chief warns of rising Russia threat

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Pattern of Foreign Detentions Continues

Russian authorities have arrested hundreds of foreign nationals on charges including espionage, sabotage, and treason since the invasion began, offenses that carry severe prison sentences. A smaller subset face mercenary accusations.

Last week, the FSB detained a Swedish national, accusing him of commanding a drone unit for Kyiv and attempting to illegally cross the border in the Pskov region. A Japanese journalist was also arrested on espionage charges, drawing sharp condemnation from Tokyo.

Hubbard’s release on Wednesday occurred during a visit to St. Petersburg by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, following a series of concessions toward Moscow and critical remarks about Ukraine from U.S. President Donald Trump. While Trump initially denied any quid pro quo, he later suggested Hubbard’s freedom was secured after he eased sanctions on Russian diesel shipments.

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