Germany has recalled its ambassador to Russia after Berlin accused Moscow of launching cyberattacks on its defence, aerospace firms and ruling party.
As per Reuters, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry said in an official statement on Monday, May 6, noting, "The foreign minister has recalled Ambassador (Otto) Graf Lambsdorff to Berlin for consultations after Berlin attributed a cyberespionage campaign to APT 28, a group linked to Moscow's GRU military intelligence agency."
However, Lambsdorff will remain in Berlin for one week before returning to Moscow, in accordance with diplomatic protocol.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry and Russia's embassy in Berlin did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
While, the accusations come amid heightened concerns in Europe regarding suspected Russian cyber activities, particularly since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Berlin said the attacks, which began two years ago, reportedly targeted Germany's governing Social Democrats and companies in logistics, defence, aerospace, and IT sectors.
However, specific details of the damage caused have not been disclosed for security reasons.
Moreover, relations between Russia and Germany have deteriorated since the invasion of Ukraine, with Germany opting not to attend the inauguration of Russian President Vladimir Putin's next six-year term.
