A court in Germany has rejected a married couple's request to legally change their Russian-sounding surname. The couple, who were born in Germany, said they had been subjected to negative repercussions since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The couple, who have not been identified, said they had been called names, harassed, and even threatened because of their surname. They said they had also been denied jobs and housing.

The couple filed a lawsuit in an attempt to force the government to allow them to change their surname. However, a court in the southwestern German state of Rhineland Palatinate ruled against them.

The court said that the couple had not provided sufficient evidence that they had been harmed by their surname. The court also said that the couple's economic situation had not been affected by their surname.

The couple can appeal the ruling.

The ruling has drawn criticism from some who say it is unfair to discriminate against people based on their surname. Others say that the ruling is a sign that Germany is becoming more hostile to Russia.

The war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the lives of people in Germany. Many people with Russian-sounding surnames have reported being subjected to discrimination. The court's ruling is a reminder that the war is still having a real impact on people's lives, even in countries that are not directly involved in the conflict.