Russia expels German diplomat in tit-for-tat move

MOSCOW, Feb 5 - Russia's foreign ministry said on Thursday that it had expelled a German diplomat in response to what it said was Berlin's unfounded expulsion of a Russian diplomat accused of espionage in January.

The ministry said in a statement that Germany's accusations that the Russian diplomat had been engaged in spying were fabricated and a provocation.

"The expulsion of a German diplomat from Russia is completely unfounded and totally unacceptable," said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, adding that Russia was resorting to unjustified retaliatory measures instead of diplomacy.

Speaking during a trip to Brunei, Wadephul said the diplomat in question was a member of the military attache staff at the German Embassy in Moscow.

"We reserve the right to take further action," he added.

Security services across Europe have warned of a growing threat from Russian intelligence agencies seeking to deter Western powers from backing Ukraine against Russia's full-scale invasion launched in February 2022. REUTERS