Germany Suspects Russia Stashed Arms in Forest

German investigators quietly watched an underground weapons cache near Berlin for months, hoping someone would come back for it. No one did—but officials now say they suspect Russian intelligence planted it and are trying to extradite a "low-level agent" from Romania in connection with the find. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Friday that prosecutors have opened a national security case, the Guardian reports, after two handguns and ammunition were discovered in a forest, then secretly monitored after being rendered unusable.

"This case demonstrates that we are operating under a high threat level," Dobrindt told reporters, per Deutsche Welle. The probe is unfolding alongside investigations into a drone packed with explosives at Leipzig airport and alleged Russian plots to target German arms executives and Ukraine supporters. Germany's domestic spy chief has warned of increasingly bold Russian operations; Moscow denies involvement in any sabotage or intimidation in the EU.