--- title: "Massive Reduction: How Germany Purged the Russian Embassy of 'Cover Agents' in 2026" description: "🇩🇪 Germany conducted a massive purge of the Russian Embassy: more than 80 diplomats have been expelled since 2022. In January 2026, following an espionage scandal involving agent Ilona V., a military attaché was expelled. German Foreign Ministry: 'We do not tolerate espionage disguised as diplomacy'. 🕵️‍♂️" date: 2026-08-09T13:44:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/massive-reduction-germany-purges-russian-embassy-cover-agents-2026 tags: [germany, russia, diplomacy, espionage, foreign-policy, berlin] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Massive Reduction: How Germany Purged the Russian Embassy of 'Cover Agents' in 2026 ![The German flag waves over the Reichstag building in Berlin, symbolizing the political decision to reduce the Russian embassy staff.](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/09/germany-russia-embassy-expulsions-2026/germany-russia-embassy-expulsions-2026-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - Since 2022, Germany has expelled more than 80 Russian diplomats and 313 Russian citizens. - In January 2026, the last group of diplomats was expelled following the case of agent Ilona V. - Berlin views the expelled staff as intelligence officers operating under cover. - Europe is recording a rise in sabotage activity, including attempted assassinations of defense officials. Amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and the intensification of hybrid threats, the diplomatic corps of the Russian Federation in Germany has undergone radical changes. As of August 2026, the staff of the Russian Embassy in Berlin has been reduced to a minimum necessary size. The official Berlin government has confirmed that since the start of the full-scale war in February 2022, more than 80 Russian diplomats have been expelled. German authorities have consistently pursued a policy of 'zero tolerance' towards intelligence activities conducted under the diplomatic flag. ### Expulsion Statistics and 'Agent' Status The German Federal Foreign Office provided detailed data on the course of the 'purge' of the diplomatic corps. During the period from 2022 to 2026, Germany not only reduced the number of diplomatic personnel but also expelled 313 Russian citizens who did not possess diplomatic immunity. A key factor in these decisions was the investigation into the activities of individuals masquerading as diplomats. Berlin classifies the majority of expelled staff as agents acting in the interests of Russian intelligence services, using diplomatic status to legitimize espionage activities. ### The Resonant Case of January 2026 The last major expulsion of diplomats took place in January 2026, marking the culmination of a high-profile espionage scandal. At the center of the events was the Deputy Military Attaché of the Russian Embassy, who was declared persona non grata. The incident was linked to the arrest of Ilona V., a German citizen of Ukrainian origin, whom German authorities accused of working for Russian intelligence since November 2023. Following the detention of the handler, who, according to the prosecution, directed the agent's activities, Berlin immediately demanded the attaché's departure. The German Foreign Ministry stated that espionage disguised as diplomacy is unacceptable and will be strictly suppressed. ### Context of Hybrid Warfare: Sabotage and Assassination Attempts The reduction of the diplomatic corps is taking place against a backdrop of a surge in Russian intelligence activity in Europe. In the last months of 2026, attempts at sabotage and assassinations of key defense industry facilities were recorded. In Germany, a Ukrainian citizen was detained for suspected data collection to prepare an assassination attempt on the head of the German drone manufacturer Donaustahl. Furthermore, two Russian agents were detained at the border of Serbia and Hungary, planning a sabotage operation at a defense facility in Germany. These incidents confirm Berlin's thesis that diplomatic missions are often used as a staging ground for operational work. ### Regional Context and Allies' Reaction Germany is not the only country to have tightened control over Russian missions. Italy previously expelled two military attachés amidst an espionage scandal, demonstrating the coordinated actions of NATO countries in response to threats. European states are recording an increase in attempts to gather information and conduct sabotage, forcing them to review the rules for the stay of foreign diplomats. In fact, diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and Germany have entered a phase of minimal interaction, where security takes precedence over diplomatic protocol. ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: How many Russian diplomats has Germany expelled since 2022? **A:** According to the German Foreign Ministry, more than 80 Russian diplomats have been expelled since February 2022. ### Q: Why was the military attaché expelled in January 2026? **A:** This occurred after the arrest of German citizen Ilona V., accused of espionage, and the declaration of her handler (the Deputy Attaché) as persona non grata. ### Q: How has the staff of the Russian Embassy in Berlin changed? **A:** The staff has been significantly reduced; most employees working under diplomatic cover were expelled as agents.