Russia Expels German Diplomat in Retaliatory Move
In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Russia has expelled a German diplomat in what Moscow describes as a tit-for-tat response to similar actions taken by Berlin last month. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced this decision on Thursday, February 5, following a formal protest lodged with the German Embassy in Moscow.
Formal Protest and Persona Non Grata Declaration
Russian authorities summoned the head of the German Embassy to deliver a stern diplomatic protest and officially declare a member of the embassy staff as persona non grata. This move comes directly in response to Germany's earlier expulsion of a Russian diplomat over allegations of espionage activities.
The Russian ministry strongly rejected Germany's accusations, characterizing them as completely groundless and politically motivated. In an official statement, Moscow criticized what it called the 'spy mania' being whipped up in Germany by German authorities, suggesting the allegations were fabricated rather than based on substantive evidence.
German Response and Criticism
Germany's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, responded sharply to Russia's actions during a visit to Brunei. He labeled the expulsion as completely unfounded and totally unacceptable, emphasizing that Germany reserves the right to take further diplomatic measures in response.
Wadephul confirmed that the expelled diplomat served as part of the German embassy's military attaché staff in Moscow. He contrasted Germany's adherence to diplomatic norms with what he described as Russia's reliance on escalation and espionage under the guise of diplomacy.
Background of the Diplomatic Dispute
This diplomatic confrontation traces back to January 22, when Germany expelled an employee of the Russian embassy over alleged spying activities. Berlin had summoned the Russian ambassador and declared the diplomat persona non grata with immediate effect, stating unequivocally that espionage would not be tolerated on German soil.
According to German media reports, the expelled Russian official served as the deputy military attaché. Moscow has consistently denied these allegations and placed full responsibility for the escalation squarely on German authorities.
Broader European Security Context
The diplomatic row unfolds against a backdrop of heightened security concerns across Europe. Intelligence agencies from multiple European nations have warned about increased Russian espionage and sabotage activities, particularly in connection with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This incident follows a similar pattern seen earlier in the week when Britain expelled a Russian diplomat in a separate but comparable reciprocal action. Moscow continues to deny accusations of conducting any coordinated espionage or sabotage campaign across European nations.
The diplomatic tit-for-tat between Russia and Germany represents a significant deterioration in bilateral relations and reflects the broader geopolitical tensions affecting European security architecture. Both nations appear entrenched in their positions, with Moscow insisting on symmetrical responses to perceived diplomatic slights and Berlin maintaining its stance against espionage activities.
