The German foreign ministry has taken note of a recent statement from Russia's foreign ministry, which announced its decision to expel about one-third of Berlin’s diplomats currently working in the country. The statement also mentioned that Russia will be cutting staff limits for German diplomatic missions as a reciprocal measure in response to the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats from Berlin.
Earlier this week, there was speculation surrounding the arrival of a Russian government plane at Berlin airport. Many wondered if this plane had been sent by Moscow specifically to transport Russian staff out of Germany due to rising tensions between the two nations.
A foreign ministry official in Berlin confirmed that "the presence of the plane was indeed related" to these developments and served as evidence that Russia is taking action against Germany with regard to their diplomatic relations.
In light of these events, both sides have expressed concerns regarding future cooperation and collaboration on international matters. Sabine Müller, spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry stated: "This move by Moscow further strains our bilateral relations and complicates our joint efforts towards global peace."
On behalf of Moscow's foreign ministry, spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented: "We believe that such actions are not constructive; however, we have no choice but respond adequately when faced with unfriendly steps initiated by other countries."
As it stands now, Germany is waiting for an official communication from their counterparts in Moscow detailing specifics about which personnel would be affected by these decisions. According to inside sources within Berlin’s embassy community who requested anonymity due to sensitivity around ongoing negotiations said: "There are several employees whose contracts may expire soon or were scheduled for rotation anyway – they might become part of this mass expulsion.”
Though tensions continue escalating over current events involving both nations' diplomatic staffs – including possible sanctions imposed against individuals involved – many hope cooler heads prevail moving forward so all can focus on collaborative solutions rather than retaliatory measures.