Russia announced plans to summon the German ambassador in response to what it describes as ongoing harassment of Russian journalists in Germany, according to a statement made
Thursday by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
The move marks another chapter in the escalating tensions between the two countries over media freedoms. Last November, Russia expelled a German correspondent and cameraman, calling it a reciprocal action after Germany allegedly took steps against Russian state media personnel. Germany, however, cited visa and residency rules for the departure and maintained that Russian journalists remain free to operate within its borders.
Zakharova accused German authorities of exerting unjustified "pressure and harassment" on Russian journalists and their families, including revoking passports and restricting movement.
Despite the growing rift, Russia continues to issue press credentials to Western journalists. However, many foreign correspondents left the country after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which triggered stricter censorship laws. The arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in 2023 on espionage charges further deepened concerns. Gershkovich, who denied the allegations, was later released in a prisoner exchange. Photo by Zac allan, Wikimedia commons.