Germany Expels 40 Russian Diplomats Over Ukraine War

Germany has expelled some Russian diplomats over the attack on Ukraine by Russia.

This is in what Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock called a response to the "unbelievable brutality" the Russians had unleashed in Ukraine.

According to the Agence France-Presse (AFP) report published late Monday, the move involves 40 envoys and follows similar moves by European partners in recent days as a reaction to the war on its neighbor.

Baerbock said; "The images from Bucha speak to unbelievable brutality by the Russian leadership and by those who follow its propaganda with a boundless will to exterminate."

The statement was referring to the town near Kyiv where dozens of bodies were found in mass graves on Monday.

Russia has rejected Western accusations that Russian forces were responsible for the attack.

However, Baerbock also said that it was essential to "stand up for our freedom and be prepared to defend it."

"That is why the German government has decided to declare a significant number of staff of the Russian embassy, who have worked every day here in Germany against our freedom, against the cohesion of our society, as persona non grata."

Baerbock described the diplomat's presence as threats to the more than 300,000 Ukrainians who have sought protection in the country since the invasion began.

She added that Germany would take further steps including imposing harsher sanctions on Russia and expanding support for Ukraine.