Germany expels two Russian diplomats following alleged FSB officer’s murder conviction
After convicting an alleged FSB officer of the murder of former Chechen field commander Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, Germany has expelled two diplomats from the Russian Embassy in Berlin.
On Wednesday, December 15, a German court sentenced 56-year-old Russian national Vadim Krasikov to life in prison after finding him guilty of killing Khangoshvili (a Georgian national of Chechen descent) in Berlin’s Tiergarten park in August 2019.
Following the verdict, Germany’s new Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called the killing a severe violation of German law and Germany’s sovereignty. She then reported that her ministry had summoned Russian Ambassador Sergey Nechayev and informed him that two Russian diplomats were being declared persona non grata.
The German authorities believe Krasikov is a high-ranking officer in a special FSB unit, and that he assassinated Khangoshvili on orders from a Russian state agency.
Russia denies any involvement in Khangoshvili’s killing. The Russian Embassy in Germany declared Wednesday’s verdict biased and politically motivated, adding the allegations about Moscow’s involvement wouldn’t be left unanswered.
The German authorities expelled two Russian embassy staff members in connection with the murder case in December 2019. In response, Russia expelled two German diplomats.
Meduza survived 2024 thanks to its readers!
Let’s stick together for 2025.
The world is at a crossroads today, and quality journalism will help shape the decades to come. The real stories must be told at any cost. Please support Meduza by signing up for a recurring donation.