🔶 Russia, in a reciprocal move, closes the German consulate in St. Petersburg

The Russian government, in response to Germany’s actions over a drone incident in Leipzig, is shutting down the German consulate-general in St. Petersburg.

In a statement by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it said that the German consulate must suspend its activities until September 18. It also said that all Goethe Institute offices in Russia will be closed, and their employees must leave Russian territory by September 13.

The German government accuses Russia of being responsible for an attempt to carry out a drone attack at the Leipzig/Halle Airport. For that reason, Germany has announced the closure of “Russian House” in Berlin and the Russian consulate general in Bonn. In addition, entry checks for Russian nationals have been tightened.

A spokesperson for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Russia’s actions “a regrettable mistake” that makes it harder to return to constructive relations.

He said that the federal government, with the closure of the Russian consulate general in Bonn, responded to “hostile activities against our country” in a “firm but prudent” manner.