In brief
Tensions between Russia and Germany escalate as Moscow expels two German journalists from its territory, claiming it's in response to Germany's treatment of a Russian state broadcaster's bureau in Berlin, which Germany denies closing.
Russia has taken a significant step by expelling two German journalists in response to an alleged closure of the Channel One bureau in Berlin. The German government, however, refutes this claim, stating that the Russian journalists simply lost their residency permits. German officials, including foreign ministry spokesperson Christian Wagner, insist that the Russian media can operate freely in Germany, calling Moscow's actions "disproportionate." Channel One, a state-financed outlet, accused Germany of ordering its bureau's closure and relayed that its correspondent and cameraman must leave by early December. In retaliation, Russia's foreign ministry announced the expulsion of two journalists from Germany's public broadcaster ARD. Germany has been on high alert regarding Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at its Russian-speaking population and has previously flagged biased coverage from Channel One. Relations have been strained amid ongoing sanctions against Russian media and the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict.
