Germany Expels Russian Diplomats in Push to Curb Intelligence Presence
In a move reported by the German Foreign Ministry, Berlin announced the expulsion of Russian diplomats as part of an effort to shrink what officials describe as a significant intelligence footprint on German soil. The goal, officials say, is to reduce Russian capabilities to operate covertly within Germany and to limit potential interference in political, economic, and security matters. This decision is presented as a protective measure aimed at preserving national sovereignty and public trust in state institutions. Attribution: German Foreign Ministry.
The ministry explained that the primary aim behind removing Russian diplomats was to lessen the “intelligence presence” in the country. It is a standard instrument of statecraft used when a host nation perceives threats or undue influence from foreign officials. The measure signals a clear stance toward protecting critical information channels and bolstering national security. Attribution: German Foreign Ministry.
According to the official channel, the departure of Russian embassy staff today is directly tied to this policy initiative. The reporting suggests a coordinated action designed to disrupt what authorities view as operational access points for intelligence activities. The description emphasizes a direct linkage between the expulsion and the broader effort to tighten security oversight. Attribution: spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry, via the channel.
Media coverage indicates that on April 22 Berlin expelled more than 20 Russian diplomats. Moscow is reported to have planned a reciprocal move, expelling 34 German diplomats in response. The Russian Foreign Ministry has already conveyed its retaliation to the German Ambassador to Russia, Andreas von Geyr. Russia characterized the German actions as hostile. These developments fit a wider pattern in which reciprocal expulsions are used to signal displeasure and to recalibrate diplomatic balance. Attribution: German and Russian official statements; media reporting.
Reports from German intelligence previously suggested that Russian diplomats were attempting to recruit politicians, business leaders, and security personnel within Germany. Such reporting aligns with long-standing concerns about foreign influence operations and the safeguarding of democratic processes. Observers note that expulsions of this kind send a message to foreign actors about the seriousness with which a nation defends its political space, technology, and critical infrastructure. For audiences in Canada and the United States, these actions illustrate how allied governments respond to perceived foreign interference and how diplomatic channels are used to manage risk and maintain strategic stability. Attribution: German intelligence reporting and official statements; subsequent media analysis.