Ukrainian consulate in Düsseldorf at center of police operation
Photo: Police operation in Düsseldorf taking place near the Ukrainian consulate (Getty Images)
Police in Germany are conducting a large-scale operation near the Ukrainian Consulate General in Düsseldorf due to a security threat, according to Tagesspiegel.
What is known about the situation
German law enforcement authorities confirmed the deployment of a major police operation in the area around the diplomatic mission.
According to a police spokesperson, the operation was triggered by an unclear situation that may pose a threat.
At this time, German police are not disclosing any further details or the reasons behind the potentially dangerous situation.
Situation near the consulate
According to local journalists, law enforcement authorities have taken the following measures in the city center:
- Cordoned off the building of the Consulate General and the surrounding area over a wide radius;
- Blocked off part of the street with police tape;
- Deployed several police units and special police vehicles.
Russian spy network in Germany
The German authorities' decision to close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn has been linked to extensive intelligence activities by Russian security services.
According to media reports, the diplomatic mission may have been used as the main coordination center for conducting hybrid operations in Germany.
In particular, journalists found that up to 20 Russian spies were operating under diplomatic cover at the Bonn consulate.
In addition to espionage activities, the increased actions against Russian diplomatic facilities in Germany have also been linked to attempted acts of sabotage.
German investigators, in particular, discovered that two individuals who were planning an attack on a Ukrainian aircraft in Leipzig had ties to Russia.
