Russia lodges protest over German MP meeting with Chechen exile figure

The Russian Foreign Ministry says it has lodged a formal protest with German Ambassador Alexander Graf Lambsdorff over a meeting between a German parliamentarian and a Chechen exile figure whom Moscow considers a terrorist.

According to the ministry, Bundestag member Roderich Kiesewetter met with Akhmed Zakayev in Kyiv, a meeting Russia described as unacceptable, Caliber.Az reports.

Moscow claims Kiesewetter praised what it called anti-Russian activities linked to the group known as the “Chechen Republic of Ichkeria,” which Russia has designated as a banned organisation. It further alleged that the lawmaker encouraged cooperation with individuals it accuses of involvement in sabotage operations in Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions, including efforts to recruit Russian nationals living in Germany.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the meeting was viewed in Moscow as evidence of attempts to interfere in its internal affairs and to threaten national security through contacts with what it described as terrorist-linked structures operating under Ukraine’s influence.

The ministry also warned Berlin of what it called “detrimental consequences,” stating that “steps hostile toward Russia will inevitably be met with a fitting response.”

By Sabina Mammadli