The foreign ministries of Germany and the Czech Republic have officially summoned the Russian ambassadors to demand explanations. The reason: direct threats against European defence enterprises, which Moscow designated as “potential targets” for its armed forces.
The conflict escalated last week after the Russian Ministry of Defence published a list of more than 20 European companies involved in the production of drones or components for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The list included facilities in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, the United Kingdom, and other countries.
The situation was further inflamed by comments from Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, who posted on X calling these enterprises “legitimate targets” and threatening possible strikes, adding: “Sleep well, European partners!”
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka summoned Ambassador Alexander Zmeevsky on Monday, 20 April. The Czech side described the publication of factory addresses and the subsequent threats as “unacceptable intimidation.”
“We will not allow anyone to dictate the terms of our assistance to Ukraine. All forms of support have a firm foundation in international law,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hana Hubáčková following the meeting with the ambassador.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry summoned Ambassador Sergei Nechaev also on 20 April. The ministry stated that it views Moscow’s actions as an attempt to test the unity of NATO and the EU.
The Foreign Ministry’s position: “Direct threats against targets on German territory are an attempt to undermine our support for Ukraine. Our response is clear: we will not be intimidated.”
German authorities also noted a rise in espionage activity and expressed readiness to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure.