Due to Russia-Ukraine conflict, diplomatic relations between Berlin and Moscow continue to deteriorate. On Wednesday a spokesperson for Germany’s foreign ministry said that the Russians have been asked to shut down four consulates operating in Germany.  

After the Kremlin imposed tighter limits on Berlin regarding the number of employees Germany’s embassy and cultural institutions can hire in Russia. The ongoing tussle between the two nations has been referred to as a “diplomatic declaration of war”.  

Back in April, Moscow placed new limits on people the German embassy and institutes like the Goethe Institute language school can hire in Russia. The rule will be implemented from June 1st, resulting in the expulsion of hundreds of German diplomats, teachers and employees from Russia.  

Previously, the two nations had expelled 40 workers from their respective embassies after declaring them personae non grata. Following this, the German foreign ministry in a statement said, “In view of this unilateral, unjustified, and incomprehensible decision, the Federal Government is now concerned with ensuring a minimum presence of intermediaries in Russia while also maintaining a diplomatic presence.” 

Even since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, European nations have expelled tens of Russian diplomats. In March also, four European nations expelled at least 40 Russian diplomats suspected of spying.  

Russia and Germany are well-known for having deep cultural and economic links. However, things have turned upside down over the last 15 months. Russia has been accusing Berlin of escalating conflict in Ukraine as the latter in January announced it will send Leopard 2 tanks to the war-torn nation. Following this announcement, Russia accused Germany of abandoning its "historical responsibility to Russia" arising from Nazi crimes in World War Two. 

Image Source: Al Jazeera