The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the expulsion of its diplomats is “unfriendly and unwarranted,” and accused Germany of “continuing the destructive line of escalating tensions” between the two countries.

Germany’s foreign ministry announced on April 22 that it was expelling Russian diplomats, citing “serious indications” that they were involved in activities “incompatible with their status as diplomatic agents.” The ministry did not provide further details on the activities in question.

The latest development further strains the already tense relationship between Russia and Germany, which has been frayed by a number of issues.

Russia has previously accused Germany of being a “hostile” country and of taking a confrontational stance towards Russia.

The latest expulsions are likely to exacerbate tensions between the two countries and make it more difficult for them to find common ground on issues of mutual concern

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