Russia expels German diplomat, accuses Berlin of ‘spy mania’

MOSCOW: Russia expelled a German diplomat on Thursday, in retaliation for what it called Germany’s “groundless” expulsion of a Russian diplomat last month, accusing Berlin of being gripped by “spy mania.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the head of the German Embassy in Moscow to lodge a formal protest. Moscow said Germany’s claims that the expelled Russian diplomat was involved in spying were false and described them as “a low-level provocation.”

In an official statement, Russia said: “The unsubstantiated accusations of espionage brought against him by the official Berlin authorities are completely groundless and fabricated in the spirit of the ‘spy mania’ being whipped up in Germany by the German authorities.”

Speaking from Brunei, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called Moscow’s move “completely unfounded and totally unacceptable.” He added that Germany “reserves the right to take further action.” Wadephul said the diplomat was part of the German Embassy’s military attaché staff.

Security agencies across Europe have warned of a growing threat from Russian intelligence, which is said to be seeking to discourage Western support for Ukraine.

On Monday, Britain also expelled a Russian diplomat in a reciprocal move after Moscow expelled a British diplomat last month, accusing them of being an undeclared spy.

Moscow has denied involvement in what Western intelligence officials have described as a sabotage campaign across Europe.