After two arrests
“No evidence presented”: Russia defends itself against suspicion of espionage
Sergei Nechayev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Germany, was summoned by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens).
© Christophe Gateau / DPA
Two Germans from Russia have been arrested in Germany on suspicion of espionage. Russia’s ambassador had to go to Foreign Minister Baerbock – and denies everything.
Russia began its war of aggression against Ukraine more than two years ago, which has also severely disrupted relations with the West. Nevertheless, the Russian embassy accuses the federal government of destroying German-Russian relations and of taking a militaristic course by arming Ukraine. According to the embassy, the latest espionage case is just a diversionary tactic with which the federal government wants to distract attention from the scandal surrounding a wiretapped telephone call from high-ranking Bundeswehr officers.
Russia’s ambassador wants access to suspects
The ambassador demanded quick access to the suspects if they really had Russian citizenship. “We have made it clear that all unfriendly actions towards Russia will not go unanswered,” it continued. In the past, diplomats from the opposing side were often expelled in espionage cases. In such cases, Russia always responds in the same way. Because of the war in Ukraine, both countries have expelled many diplomats anyway. In addition, most consulates in both countries were closed.