The German foreign ministry has announced that hundreds of German employees in the education and cultural sectors will be expelled from Russia next month.
Confirming earlier media reports, Russia has decided to cap the number of German workers, including teachers at the German school in Moscow and staff at the Goethe Institute cultural association.
This latest development comes on the heels of a series of tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, further straining the already tense relations between the two countries.
Just last month, both Russia and Germany declared 40 employees of their respective embassies “personae non gratae” and expelled them.
According to the German daily newspaper, Süddeutsche Zeitung, the upcoming expulsions will affect a significant number of employees, including diplomats.
The German foreign ministry responded to the decision, calling it “unilateral, unjustified, and incomprehensible.”
It stated that the Federal Government is now focused on maintaining a minimum presence in Russia while ensuring a diplomatic presence.
In response, the German foreign ministry is considering a decision on the maximum number of Russian personnel in Germany, aiming to achieve a balanced approach.
This move reflects the escalating tensions and the desire for reciprocity between the two nations.
The strained relations between Russia and Germany are a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has strained their once-deep economic and cultural ties.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz made significant policy shifts, including increasing military spending and committing to send weapons directly to Ukraine, as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Germany followed through on its promise by sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
However, Russia accused Germany of abandoning its “historical responsibility” arising from World War Two atrocities committed by the Nazis.
Undeterred, Chancellor Scholz recently pledged unwavering support to Ukraine, promising €2.7 billion worth of weapons.
Germany has also taken steps to reduce its dependency on Russian gas, including diversifying its sources through increased imports from other countries and the rapid construction of its first liquified natural gas import terminal.
With the expulsion of diplomats and now education and cultural sector workers, the already strained ties between Russia and Germany are set to face further pressure
