Russia's envoy levies accusations toward the Foreign Ministry

In a series of statements, Russian diplomat Sergei Nechaev has accused German politicians of crossing "red lines" and making "absurd accusations" in the case of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Nechaev, the Russian Ambassador to Germany, has expressed his confusion over Germany's refusal to cooperate with four Russian requests for legal assistance in the Navalny case. He has also suggested that German politicians, not experts, are speaking out about the matter.

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) has countered by calling on Russia to cooperate in the investigation, instead of making "absurd accusations." If Russia does not cooperate, Maas has suggested that sanctions could be expected.

Nechaev has emphasized the importance of handling the positive potential of German-Russian relations carefully and has questioned if Germany is genuinely interested in an objective investigation of the Navalny incident. He has also expressed disbelief at the dismissal of all other possible explanations of the incident as absurd.

The diplomat has also accused the German Foreign Office of bias and a hidden agenda regarding the Navalny case. He has suggested avoiding mutual accusations, ultimatums, and threats in the matter.

German politicians who have rejected Russia's requests for legal assistance include members of the German Justice Ministry, under leadership figures like Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. They have shown reluctance to cooperate with Russian legal demands due to concerns over the legitimacy and motives of the Russian authorities involved, as well as issues with the fairness and political manipulation of the process by Russia.

Nechaev has stated that Berlin has repeatedly rejected or ignored proposals for cooperation between doctors, toxicologists, and relevant investigative authorities regarding the Navalny case. He has not specified what consequences Berlin's alleged lack of cooperation could have.

Furthermore, Nechaev has found the claim that Navalny was poisoned in Siberia implausible and has suggested that Berlin's attempts to present itself as the 'bearer of bad news' do not convince Moscow. He has also expressed concern about the anti-Russian rhetoric of some German politicians and members of parliament.

Nechaev has not specified what actions Berlin could take to demonstrate practical cooperation with Russia in the Navalny case. However, he has reiterated his calls for transparency and cooperation in the investigation. The ongoing standoff between the two nations continues to raise tensions and remains a point of contention in international relations.