Hundreds of Germans deported from Russia

Media reports that Russia will limit the number of German employees from the beginning of June have been confirmed. Teachers at the German school in Moscow and staff at the Goethe Institute cultural association will return to Germany. Russia's decision to expel German employees follows the expulsion of diplomats from both countries and increasingly strained relations between Russia and Germany.

Last month, Russia and Germany declared 40 employees of their respective embassies persona non grata and expelled them, BBC reported. The German-language newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung wrote that this latest move would affect hundreds of Germans, including diplomats. 

"In the face of this unilateral, unjustified and incomprehensible decision, the Federal Government is now concerned with ensuring a minimal presence of intermediaries while maintaining a diplomatic presence in Russia," the German Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

In deciding on the maximum number of Russians in Germany, the ministry said it would aim to achieve real balance in practice.

COUNTER MOVE BY RUSSIA 

Several European Union countries have expelled Russian diplomats since the start of the war in Ukraine. In March 2022, more than 40 diplomats suspected of espionage were ordered expelled from four EU countries.

Russia and Germany actually share deep economic and cultural ties, which were strained after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Within days, Chancellor Olaf Scholz revolutionized Germany's foreign policy by increasing military spending and promising to send arms directly to Ukraine. Scholz kept his word. When Germany announced in January that it would send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, Russia accused it of abandoning its "historical responsibility towards Russia" for Nazi crimes in the Second World War.

Earlier this month, Scholz pledged to support Ukraine "as long as it is necessary" and promised €2.7 billion worth of arms. The expulsion of diplomats and cultural and educational workers will further strain the remaining ties between Russia and Germany.

Source: BBC News