Russian Drones Observed Over U.S. Military Supply Paths in Germany, Heightening Espionage Concerns

Military officials from the United States and Europe are increasingly worried about Russian surveillance drones that have been observed flying over military supply routes in eastern Germany. These routes are used to transport weapons and equipment to Ukraine by the U.S. and its allies.

Western intelligence has indicated that these drones, some reportedly made in Iran, are being utilized by Russia or its allies to gather information on the movement of logistics. This intelligence gathering could aid Russia in formulating battlefield strategies in Ukraine and possibly support future sabotage activities throughout Europe.

A Shift in Russia’s Tactics

These recent drone sightings occur in the context of a noticeable decrease in Russian sabotage activities this year. After a spike in Kremlin-related schemes in 2023 and 2024—such as fires at British warehouses, efforts to cut undersea cables, and an attack on a dam in Norway—incidents have declined in 2025.

This reduction is attributed to enhanced security measures, improved intelligence sharing among NATO countries, and intensified law enforcement actions in Europe.

“The landscape is more difficult for Russians to operate,” commented Seth Jones from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, highlighting that Moscow might be exercising caution due to ongoing diplomatic negotiations related to Ukraine.

Nevertheless, specialists caution that the drone operations over the Thuringia region of Germany constitute "straight-up espionage." This allows Russia to map out supply chains, identify U.S. weapon manufacturers, and track the movement of arms into Poland before they proceed to Ukraine.

Recent Arrests Highlight Threat

The threat of sabotage remains significant. In May, authorities in Germany and Switzerland apprehended three Ukrainian nationals accused of plotting to place explosives on cargo planes passing through Germany—a plan that Western officials associate with Russia's broader strategy.

It is reported that U.S. intelligence agencies warned German intelligence about the plot, reflecting the deepening of Washington's role in coordinating counter-intelligence across Europe.

German Response

Germany has been discreetly enhancing its anti-drone defenses at military installations, as reported by the German publication WirtschaftsWoche, which first covered the drone flights. German officials acknowledge that drones near logistics hubs pose a "considerable security risk."

Western intelligence believes some drones may be launched from ships in the Baltic Sea, though their precise origins are still uncertain.

Implications for Ukraine and NATO

Currently, officials think the primary purpose of the drone operations is to collect battlefield intelligence by observing the movement and timing of weapons shipments. However, experts warn that this information could later be used to disrupt supply chains if Russia decides to intensify its covert operations.

“If at some point the Russians wanted to get more aggressive, they already know the routes and the firms involved,” stated Mr. Jones. “That intelligence would be invaluable for sabotage or subversive actions.”

The revelations present a new challenge to NATO's ongoing efforts to secure Europe's logistical networks, highlighting the vulnerability of Ukraine's support pathways and the Kremlin's persistent efforts to weaken them from a distance.