Germany has announced plans to remove over 100 government employees working in Russia, following Moscow’s imposition of limits on the number of German diplomatic mission staff allowed in the country. According to a source from the German foreign ministry, the set limit by Russia, which is scheduled to take effect in early June, necessitates significant downsizing across all areas of Germany’s presence in Russia.
The affected personnel include teachers, as well as employees of schools and the Goethe Institute. The personnel reduction is deemed necessary to maintain an appropriate balance for Germany’s diplomatic presence. The source revealed that at least 100 individuals would be impacted, but did not disclose the specific limit imposed by Moscow.
Tensions between Russia and Germany have escalated since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, prompting the West to respond with sanctions and weapon supplies. The limit announced by Russia in April has been described as “unilateral, unjustified, and incomprehensible” by the German source. The Russian foreign ministry has not yet provided a comment on the matter. The news of Germany’s decision to reduce its government employees in Russia comes as a further indication of strained relations between the two nations, which have deteriorated significantly since the conflict in Ukraine. This move also underscores the impact of geopolitical tensions on diplomatic operations and cultural exchanges.