While Germany has not confirmed any expulsions of its own, a Russian government airplane arriving in Berlin was reportedly connected to the issue.

Tensions between the two countries have escalated since Russia's military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022 and the resulting sanctions and arms shipments from the West to Ukraine.

The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned Germany's actions, which it said were destroying Russian-German relations, and stated that its own expulsions were "reciprocal".

It did not disclose the number of diplomats involved, but said it would significantly limit the maximum number of staff at German diplomatic missions.

The German Foreign Ministry said it had taken note of Russia's announcement. (ILKHA)