German Expulsion of Russian Nationals Tops 400; Over 80 Were Diplomats Tied to Espionage

Expelling Russian Nationals

According to Рубрика — Політика: Germany has removed approximately 400 Russian citizens from its territory since Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine began, according to the country's Foreign Ministry as cited by Bild. Of that total, more than 80 held diplomatic accreditation and were considered connected to intelligence work. The presence of Russian personnel in German-based embassies has dropped markedly since 2022, reflecting stricter oversight of official Moscow representatives. This is part of a wider Western campaign to curb suspected Russian spy activity.

Deportations and Investigations

On top of those 80 diplomats, Berlin has also deported 313 other Russian nationals from early 2022 onward. Around 40 of the envoy expulsions came in the wake of the March 2022 massacre in Bucha. The latest removal of Russian officials took place in January 2026, when 56-year-old Ilona V., who leads the consulting firm Wiener&Partner, was taken into custody.

Prosecutors suspect Ilona V. of gathering military information related to Russia's war against Ukraine and handing it over to a staffer at the Russian embassy. Her alleged activities included collecting details on attendees of a 2023 NATO conference at the Adlon Hotel in Berlin, as well as the whereabouts of German arms manufacturing sites, drone testing sessions, and planned deliveries of drones to Ukraine.

This pattern of behavior highlights the growing intensity of Russian spying in Europe, which is causing unease among nations that back Ukraine.

Germany continues to implement measures aimed at monitoring Russian citizens on its soil. The tighter vetting of Russian diplomats and the expulsion of individuals accused of espionage signals how seriously European security is taken in the face of Russian intelligence operations. It also underscores the importance of joint international action to counter disinformation and espionage that could threaten stability in the region.

The ongoing expulsion of Russian nationals from Germany underscores a broader concern regarding national security. As tensions escalate, Germany's Foreign Minister has labeled Russia as a significant threat to Europe, emphasizing the urgency for European nations to enhance their vigilance against espionage activities. This context not only highlights Germany's proactive measures but also reflects the heightened awareness among European countries regarding potential security risks posed by Russian operatives.