Russia expels German diplomat in retaliation against Berlin: details of the crisis
In a new escalation reflecting strained diplomatic relations between Moscow and Berlin, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday the expulsion of a German diplomat, declaring him persona non grata. This decision comes as a direct and reciprocal response to a similar measure taken earlier by the German government, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Russia and European countries.
Details of the Russian decision and the principle of reciprocity
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated in an official statement that it summoned the head of the German diplomatic mission in Moscow and handed her a formal note of protest. The note informed the German side of the decision to expel a diplomatic employee working at the German embassy, in accordance with the principle of reciprocity recognized in diplomatic practice. Moscow emphasized that this measure was a direct response to Berlin's decision of January 22, which involved the expulsion of a Russian diplomat.
Background to the crisis: Espionage accusations
The roots of this latest escalation lie in Berlin's January announcement of the expulsion of a Russian diplomat accused by German authorities of espionage activities. According to the German account, the Russian diplomat was suspected of acting as an operative for a woman arrested on suspicion of spying for Moscow. Russia categorically rejected these accusations, calling them "baseless," and placed full responsibility for the deterioration in bilateral relations on Germany.
German reactions and hints at further steps
In contrast, the Russian decision was met with widespread disapproval in German circles. Berlin deemed the Russian reaction baseless and unacceptable. Statements from the German side, coinciding with a visit by German officials to Southeast Asia, indicated that the expelled diplomat was a member of the defense attaché's staff, and emphasized that Germany reserves the right to take further measures in response to what it described as "unjustified retaliatory steps.".
Context of diplomatic tension between Russia and the West
This event cannot be separated from the broader context of strained relations between Russia and Western countries in recent years. The past decade has witnessed a series of reciprocal expulsions of diplomats, often linked to espionage cases or geopolitical disputes over sensitive issues such as the Ukrainian crisis and energy security. Germany is a key economic and political partner for Russia in Europe, and therefore any tension in relations between the two countries casts a shadow over the entire European political landscape, raising fears of a new race toward diplomatic rupture reminiscent of the Cold War.
