The German government summoned the Russian ambassador on Monday to condemn what it described as 'direct threats' against targets within Germany. In a statement, the Federal Foreign Office claimed these threats, which were not detailed, aim to undermine Germany's support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, highlighting the escalating diplomatic tensions between Berlin and Moscow.
The German foreign ministry stated in a social media post: 'Our response is clear: we will not be intimidated. Such threats and all forms of espionage in Germany are completely unacceptable.' The Russian embassy reportedly provided no comment on the matter, further straining bilateral relations amid the broader geopolitical standoff over Ukraine.
This move follows Russia's Ministry of Defence publishing a list last week of 21 companies it alleges are subsidiaries of Ukrainian defence firms or suppliers of key components. At least three German companies were listed as suppliers of drones to Ukraine, with the Russian post vaguely suggesting these locations could be targeted, raising concerns about potential retaliatory actions against European interests.
The situation is compounded by a recent strategic defence partnership agreement between Ukraine and Germany, which includes cooperation in drone production and a boost to Kyiv's air defences. In a joint declaration, the two countries pledged to 'strengthen cooperation in the air defence field,' with Germany committing to 'continue supporting Ukraine's drone industry as well as establishing drone co-production ventures,' actions that Moscow views as provocative.
In a related development on Monday, Russian authorities arrested a German woman accused of being part of an alleged Ukrainian-backed plot to blow up a services facility. Russia's Federal Security Service claimed the woman was detained in Pyatigorsk with an explosive device in her backpack. A German foreign ministry spokesman said they were aware of reports about the arrest but would not comment further due to privacy concerns, adding another layer of complexity to the already fraught diplomatic landscape.
Source: www.aljazeera.com