Russia expels two German journalists in retaliation for Berlin's actions

In a tit-for-tat move, Russia has expelled two journalists from the German media group ARD in response to Germany's closure of the Channel One bureau in Berlin, Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said during a recent briefing.

Zakharova stated, "Moscow will consider the possibility of accrediting new ARD employees after the resumption of operations at the Channel One bureau in Berlin."

The diplomatic row between Russia and Germany escalated when German authorities decided to shut down the German bureau of Channel One, Russia's leading state-owned television network. According to the decision, the correspondent and cameraman will be required to leave the country in the first half of December.

German officials justified their decision by claiming that "Channel One's activities pose a significant and immediate threat to public order and security in Germany and the European Union, as they threaten the process of forming public opinion and decision-making in member states."

In response to Germany's actions, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs threatened to introduce retaliatory measures.