Germany expels 40 Russian envoys over Bucha killings, 'further measures' being prepared

In a key development, Germany on Monday expelled 40 Russian envoys over brutal civilian killings in Bucha, Ukraine, where dozens of bodies were found lined across streets in aftermath of Russian occupation. In response to 'unbelievable brutality,' Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Monday, April 4 anunced that dozens of Russian officials were being declared as 'persona n grata'.  Olaf Scholz-led country has also warned of 'furr measures', hinting that ditional action was being prepared against Moscow in partnership with allies.

tably, development comes after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lambasted Germany and France for indirectly abetting death of Ukrainians through ir policy over last 14 years. In a video dress released late on Sunday, Zelenskyy slammed former leers of Germany and France - Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy, inviting m to visit Bucha, and witness slain and tortured Ukrainians lying on streets.

 “I invite Ms. Merkel and Mr. Sarkozy to visit Bucha, to see what policy of 14 years of concessions to Russia has led to,” Zelenskyy said, referring to Kyiv suburb where devastating ims emerged from. “See with your own eyes tortured and slain Ukrainians.”

Ironically speaking on 14th anniversary of 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, where Ukraine was denied membership, he blamed NATO for harbouring an 'absurd fear' of Russia. “y thought that by refusing Ukraine, y could appease Russia, to convince it to respect Ukraine and live rmally alongside us." he said.

It is pertinent to mention that 2008 Bucharest Summit h debated giving Ukraine a formal “membership action plan” to guide it toward qualifying for NATO membership. Germany's Merkel and France's Sarkozy h argued against plan, asserting that move could 'severely' hurt relations with Russia and President Vlimir Putin.

Russia denies Bucha slayings, calls m 'std'

On Sunday, Ukrainian troops recaptured Kyiv suburbs of Bucha and Irpin, revealing macabre of death and destruction in city. As troops entered Kyiv suburb, y found streets len down with corpses of civilians, many with ir hands tied on ir backs. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday denied all accusations related to slayings of civilians in Ukraine's Bucha and termed situation as a "fake attack" aimed at undermining Moscow.  According to Lavrov, de bodies were "std" and ims of m were widely circulated on social media by Ukraine and Western countries in an attempt to defame Russian troops, TASS news ncy reported. Russian troops h completed ir exit from region on March 30.