Russia says Germany using baseless 'hacker myths' to destroy ties

Russia accused Germany on Wednesday of exploiting baseless myths about Russian hackers in order to escalate tensions and said Berlin's decision to recall its ambassador would lead to further deterioration of bilateral ties. "Perhaps this chorus from NATO countries is a way for them to stoke the anti-Russia card." "The West creates these stories, simply invents them," Zakharova said.

Russia accused Germany on Wednesday of exploiting baseless myths about Russian hackers in order to escalate tensions and said Berlin's decision to recall its ambassador would lead to further deterioration of bilateral ties. Germany said it had recalled its ambassador to Russia for consultations after Berlin accused Moscow of launching cyberattacks on its defence and aerospace firms and ruling party.

"This is baseless speculation," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said of the German claims of cyberattacks. "Perhaps this chorus from NATO countries is a way for them to stoke the anti-Russia card." "The West creates these stories, simply invents them," Zakharova said. "They gave no evidence for their claims."