Diplomacy

Russia closes German consulate and cultural centres in retaliatory move

TRT World · 3 weeks ago · Read the Full Story on TRT World
Russia closes German consulate and cultural centres in retaliatory move
AI SUMMARY

Russia has ordered the closure of the German Consulate General in Saint Petersburg and Goethe-Institut centres in response to Germany's prior closure of Russian offices.

  • Russia ordered the German Consulate General in Saint Petersburg to cease operations and its staff to leave the country by September 18.
  • Germany's Goethe-Institut cultural centres in Russia must shut down, with seconded staff ordered to leave by September 13.
  • The decision is a direct retaliation for Germany's closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin.
  • Germany previously accused Russia of orchestrating a foiled drone attack at Leipzig Airport last month and imposed sanctions.
  • Russia denied the drone accusations, calling them an unprecedented escalation and accusing Germany of provoking a new rupture in bilateral relations.