The reason is a decision by Moscow to severely limit the maximum number of staff of German diplomatic missions and cultural organizations in the country.
Today, the German Foreign Ministry confirmed to the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung that hundreds of German officials, including German diplomats and teachers, will leave Russia as of June 1.
The reason is Moscow’s decision to severely limit the maximum number of staff of German diplomatic missions and cultural organizations in Russia, in retaliation for the expulsion of Russian diplomats allegedly involved in espionage.
The German Foreign Ministry confirmed to the newspaper that “the limit set by Moscow, since the beginning of June, requires a significant cut in all areas of our presence in Russia.”
The ministry’s goal is to “ensure a minimum presence” for cultural workers “while maintaining a diplomatic presence.”
According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, diplomats will be affected, as well as teachers at German educational institutes in Moscow and staff of the Goethe-Institut for Languages and Culture.
In addition to the German Embassy in Moscow, there are German consulates in the Russian cities of Yekaterinburg, Kaliningrad, Novosibirsk, and St. Petersburg.
In April, 30 employees of Russian diplomatic missions, accused by German intelligence of involvement in espionage, had to leave Germany.
“Hardcore alcohol maven. Hipster-friendly analyst. Introvert. Devoted social media advocate.”
