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Germany summons Russian ambassador citing ‘direct threats’
TL;DR
Germany has summoned the Russian ambassador over alleged 'direct threats' against targets in Germany, aimed at undermining support for Ukraine. The German Foreign Office stated that such intimidation will not be tolerated.
Key points
- Germany summoned the Russian ambassador
- Alleged threats aimed at undermining support for Ukraine
- Germany's Foreign Office condemned the threats
- Russia published a list of 21 companies related to Ukraine
Mentioned in this story
GermanyRussiaUkrainian defence companies
Berlin has summoned the Russian ambassador to condemn what it calls “direct threats” against “targets in Germany”.
The threats, which were not detailed, are aimed at undermining Germany’s support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, Berlin’s Federal Foreign Office said in a statement on Monday.
“Our response is clear: we will not be intimidated. Such threats and all forms of espionage in Germany are completely unacceptable,” the foreign ministry said in a social media post.
The Russian embassy provided no comment.
Last week, Russia’s Ministry of Defence published a list of 21 companies that Moscow believes are subsidiaries of Ukrainian defence companies or suppliers of key components.
At least three German firms were among those listed as supplying drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to Ukraine. The post included a vague suggestion that those locations could be targeted.
“The European public should not only clearly understand the underlying causes of the threats to their safety, but also know the addresses, as well as the location of ‘Ukrainian’ and ‘joint’ companies producing UAVs and their components for Ukraine in their countries,” the Russian ministry wrote on Wednesday.
Strategic defence partnership
Ukraine and Germany recently agreed on a strategic defence partnership that will include cooperation in drone production and a boost for Kyiv’s air defences.
In a joint declaration, the two countries said they will “strengthen cooperation in the air defence field”. Germany will “continue supporting Ukraine’s drone industry as well as establishing drone co-production ventures”, it added.
On Monday, Russian authorities arrested a German woman accused of being part of an alleged Ukrainian-backed plot to blow up a services facility.
Russia’s Federal Security Service said the woman was arrested in the Caucasus city of Pyatigorsk with an explosive device in her backpack.
A German foreign ministry spokesman said it was aware of news reports about the arrest but would not comment further out of privacy concerns.
Q&A
What threats did Germany cite from Russia?
Germany cited 'direct threats' against targets in the country, although specific details of the threats were not disclosed.
How is Germany responding to Russian threats?
Germany's response includes summoning the Russian ambassador and stating that it will not be intimidated by such threats or espionage.
What list did Russia's Ministry of Defence publish?
Russia's Ministry of Defence published a list of 21 companies it claims are subsidiaries of Ukrainian defense companies or key component suppliers.
