Russia has escalated diplomatic tensions with Germany by expelling a German diplomat on Thursday, accusing Berlin of fostering "spy mania" and retaliating for what Moscow deems the "groundless" removal of a Russian envoy last month.
Moscow's Formal Protest and Denial of Espionage Claims
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed it summoned the head of the German Embassy in Moscow to issue a formal protest over Berlin's treatment of the Russian diplomat. Moscow vehemently denied Germany's accusation that the expelled Russian diplomat had been involved in espionage, labelling it "false" and "a low-level provocation".
A statement from the ministry asserted: "It was emphasised that the unsubstantiated accusations of espionage brought against him by the official Berlin authorities are completely groundless and fabricated in the spirit of the 'spy mania' being whipped up in Germany by the German authorities."
Germany's Strong Response and Warning of Further Action
In response, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking during a trip to Brunei, criticised Moscow for resorting to "unjustified retaliatory measures instead of diplomacy."
"The expulsion of a German diplomat from Russia is completely unfounded and totally unacceptable," he said, adding: "We reserve the right to take further action."
Wadephul revealed that the diplomat in question had been a member of the German Embassy's military attache staff, highlighting the sensitive nature of the expulsion.
Growing European Concerns Over Russian Intelligence Threats
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened alerts from security services across Europe, which have warned of a growing threat from Russian intelligence agencies. These agencies are reportedly seeking to deter Western powers from supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression.
Recent British Diplomatic Expulsion and Reciprocal Moves
On Monday, Britain also expelled a Russian diplomat in what it described as a reciprocal move. This followed Moscow's expulsion of a British diplomat last month, whom Russia accused of being an undeclared spy.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that Russian ambassador Andrey Kelin had been summoned to explain what it termed an "unprovoked and unjustified" decision by Russia.
The FCDO further stated it would not "stand for intimidation of British embassy staff", accusing Russia of attempting to "deter our support for Ukraine" through its actions.
Russia's Justification for the British Expulsion
Moscow’s foreign ministry said it acted after receiving information "regarding the affiliation of a diplomatic employee at the embassy with the British secret service".
According to a translation of a post on its Telegram channel, the ministry said it had summoned British charge d’affaires Danae Dholakia to lodge a "strong protest" and inform her the diplomat was being expelled.
The ministry did not identify the diplomat but stated he must leave Russia within two weeks, underscoring the procedural yet firm nature of the expulsion.
These successive diplomatic expulsions reflect deepening strains between Russia and Western nations, with intelligence activities and support for Ukraine remaining central flashpoints in international relations.
