He wrote about this on his social networks.

Earlier, information appeared in a number of media outlets claiming that Sergienko was working for the Russian Federal Security Service. The deputy's assistant himself denied the accusations against him.

“Vladimir Sergienko informed me yesterday that he was stopping working for me. The media campaign launched against him makes it impossible for him to continue his work,” Schmidt said in a statement.

He added that he fully respects Sergienko’s decision and understands it.

In September 2023, German prosecutors brought charges of treason as a result of alleged espionage for Russia against the Federal Intelligence Service BND Carsten L. and his intermediary Arthur E.