Germany Expels Russian Diplomat Following Espionage Arrest Linked to Ukraine War
The German government has taken the significant step of expelling a Russian diplomat from the country following the arrest of a suspect in a major espionage case directly connected to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This decisive action underscores Berlin's firm stance against foreign intelligence operations conducted on its soil, particularly those exploiting diplomatic privileges.
Diplomatic Expulsion Announced Amid Espionage Allegations
On Thursday, the German Foreign Ministry publicly announced the expulsion of the Russian diplomat, citing intolerable espionage activities disguised under diplomatic status. In a social media statement, the ministry declared, "the German government doesn't tolerate espionage in Germany, still less under the disguise of diplomatic status." Officials summoned the Russian ambassador to Berlin to formally communicate the expulsion of "the person in question who spied on behalf of Russia." This move highlights the escalating tensions in German-Russian relations amid the backdrop of the Ukraine war.
Arrest of German-Ukrainian Suspect Reveals Extensive Spy Network
The case centres on a German-Ukrainian dual citizen who was arrested in Berlin on Wednesday. Federal prosecutors allege that since at least November 2023, she maintained contact with a man at the Russian Embassy in Berlin who worked for a Russian intelligence service. According to investigators, she supplied this contact with sensitive information related to the war in Ukraine on multiple occasions.
Key allegations against the suspect include:
- Assisting with inquiries about defence industry locations within Germany.
- Providing details on drone tests and planned drone deliveries to Ukraine.
- Turning to former employees in the operational area of the German Defence Ministry who were personal acquaintances to gather intelligence.
Prosecutors further claim that the woman occasionally helped her Russian Embassy contact visit political events in Berlin under aliases, enabling him to make contacts for Russian intelligence purposes.
Investigation Widens to Include Former German Military Personnel
In a concerning development, the German Defence Ministry revealed that the investigation also involves two former German military employees. One of these individuals is a recently retired officer. Both are suspected of disclosing classified information to the main suspect, suggesting a broader network of espionage activities targeting German defence secrets. This aspect of the case raises serious questions about internal security protocols and the potential compromise of sensitive military data.
The expulsion of the Russian diplomat and the accompanying arrests mark a significant escalation in Germany's response to alleged Russian espionage. As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to scrutinise further connections and implications for national security, particularly in the context of Germany's support for Ukraine and its own defence infrastructure.
