March 22 (Reuters) - Elite hackers tied to Russian

intelligence last month targeted several German political

parties with an eye toward burrowing into their networks and

stealing data, according to an alert released by Germany's

cybersecurity agency and security researchers working for Google

owner Alphabet.

The alleged intrusion effort occurred one year after Germany

expelled 50 Russian diplomats in order to reportedly "reduce the

presence of Russian intelligence in Germany."

Relations between the two countries have remained largely

"frozen," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in December,

following Germany's military support for Ukraine.

The Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately return

a message seeking comment.