Russia has ordered the closure of Germany’s Consulate-General in St. Petersburg, escalating an already serious diplomatic dispute between Moscow and Berlin. Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday, September 7, that the German consulate must cease operations no later than September 18, with its employees also required to leave the country by the same date.
Moscow described the move as a retaliatory measure following Germany’s decision last week to close Russia’s consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.
The dispute has intensified after Germany accused Russia of being behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. German authorities said an explosives-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian aircraft and was later defused. Moscow has denied involvement, calling Germany’s accusation baseless and politically motivated.
Russia also confirmed the closure of German Goethe-Institut cultural centers in the country. Their staff have been given until September 13 to leave Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Berlin of provoking another round of escalation and said Germany would bear responsibility for the consequences.
The latest measures mark another significant deterioration in relations between two major European powers, with diplomatic and cultural ties continuing to shrink as tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine deepen.
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