Russia has expelled a German diplomat in a retaliatory move following Germany’s decision earlier this year to remove a Russian envoy over alleged espionage activities. The action, announced on Thursday by Russia’s foreign ministry, underscores the deepening diplomatic rift between Moscow and Berlin.
In an official statement, the Russian foreign ministry strongly rejected Germany’s accusations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated. Moscow insisted that the expelled Russian diplomat had not engaged in any intelligence-gathering activities and accused German authorities of deliberately escalating tensions under the pretext of national security concerns.
According to reports, the diplomatic dispute traces back to January 21, 2026, when German prosecutors detained a Russian diplomatic official on suspicion of spying. The individual was expelled from Germany the following day. German authorities alleged that the diplomat had attempted to collect sensitive information related to drone technology intended for use by Ukraine, reportedly during political events held within Germany.
Germany’s Federal Foreign Minister, Johann David Wadephul, defended the decision at the time, stressing that espionage would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He emphasized that diplomatic status cannot be used as a shield for intelligence operations, adding that Germany remains firm in protecting its sovereignty and security interests.
“The German government does not tolerate espionage in Germany, especially when it is carried out under the cover of diplomatic immunity,” the foreign ministry stated in a message posted on X.
Moscow immediately dismissed the allegations when they first surfaced, warning that Berlin’s actions would not go unanswered. Thursday’s expulsion of a German diplomat appears to be the realization of that warning, reinforcing a familiar pattern of reciprocal measures between the two nations.
The latest development highlights the broader deterioration in relations between Russia and Western European countries, as disputes over security, intelligence, and the war in Ukraine continue to strain diplomatic ties. Analysts note that such tit-for-tat expulsions have become increasingly common in recent years, signaling a prolonged period of mistrust and confrontation between Moscow and its European counterparts.
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