Germany investigates suspected Russian weapons cache near Berlin

German authorities are investigating a suspected Russian intelligence weapons cache discovered in a forest near Berlin, amid concerns that the weapons may have been intended for agents planning attacks in Germany, Süddeutsche Zeitung reports.

The cache, found by German security officials in a wooded area on the border between Berlin and Brandenburg last year, contained two handguns. According to Süddeutsche Zeitung, NDR and WDR, Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) now believes the depot was established by Russian intelligence.

Security authorities suspect the weapons were intended for agents carrying out so-called “kinetic operations” on behalf of Moscow, a term used to describe violent attacks.

The discovery came after the BfV received specific information about the location of the weapons. Investigators subsequently fitted the firearms with tracking devices and disabled them, while leaving the cache in place in an effort to identify anyone who might return for the weapons.

No one came to collect them, however, and officials now consider the cache inactive. Investigators believe those responsible may have learned about the police operation and abandoned the site.

German authorities have nevertheless identified a possible suspect. According to the reports, a man was arrested in Romania and is suspected of having established the underground weapons depot. Germany's federal prosecutor has been investigating the case since November on suspicion of preparing a serious act of violence threatening the state.

The BfV declined to comment specifically on the investigation, saying it does not generally discuss possible intelligence operations. The Russian embassy also did not initially respond to requests for comment.

The case comes amid growing warnings from German security officials about Russian espionage and sabotage activities in Europe. BfV President Sinan Selen has previously warned that Russian intelligence services were intensifying their activities and could seek to carry out targeted attacks in Germany.

According to the report, potential targets could include defence-industry executives, Russian opposition figures living in exile and people supporting Ukraine.

Secret weapons caches have a long history in Russian intelligence operations. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union maintained hidden stockpiles of weapons, explosives and communications equipment in Western Europe for potential use during a conflict with NATO.

German authorities have also discovered other suspected weapons and explosives caches in recent years, including explosives and hand grenades found near a NATO fuel pipeline in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Russia has previously rejected allegations that it is responsible for sabotage and espionage operations in countries supporting Ukraine, often describing such claims as Western paranoia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently said Moscow would intensify efforts to disrupt Western support for Ukraine, without referring directly to the Berlin weapons cache.

By Aghakazim Guliyev