Merkel condemns Moscow’s expulsion of German diplomats over Navalny as ‘unjustified’

Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned Russia’s expulsion of German diplomats as a further step by Moscow away from the rule of law.

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Russia on Friday announced the expulsion of diplomats from Sweden, Germany, and Poland, accusing them of taking part in illegal protests last month against the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

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“We consider this expulsion to be unjustified,” Merkel told reporters after a video conference on defense and security issues with French President Emmanuel Macron, adding that the two had received news of the expulsions during the meeting.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Russia’s decision to the expel diplomats is in no way justified and further damages relations to Europe, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Friday.

There will be a response if Russia does not reconsider this step, Maas said in a statement.

“Russia’s decision to expel several EU diplomats, including an employee of the embassy in Moscow, is in no way justified and is further damaging relations with Europe,” Maas said.

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Last Update: Friday, 05 February 2021 KSA 18:49 – GMT 15:49