Russia to close German cultural centers after Berlin's decision on "Russian House"

Russia has decided to close the German Goethe-Institut representations in response to measures taken by Berlin after the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Germany previously announced the termination of the "Russian House" operations in Berlin and the closure of the Russian consulate general in Bonn.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced the upcoming closure of the Goethe-Instituts during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

According to him, the decision is a direct response to the German authorities' intention to terminate the work of the "Russian House" in Berlin.

"Of course, they will be closed after our cultural center was expelled from there", Lavrov stated.

He claims that Berlin should have understood the consequences of its decision and that it would actually mean the end of German cultural presence in Russia.

According to the Goethe-Institut itself, three of its cultural centers currently operate in Russia - in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk. The first Goethe-Institut in the country opened in Moscow in 1992.

The organization promotes the German language, international cultural and educational programs. It remained one of the few major German institutions that continued working in Russia after the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine.

The new round of diplomatic conflict began after the German government held Russia responsible for the attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in early August. According to German investigators, the explosive drone was aimed at a Ukrainian An-124 transport aircraft.

As Kurs Ukrainy previously reported, Berlin in response decided to close the Russian consulate general in Bonn, terminate agreements that ensured the operation of the "Russian House" in Berlin, and also tighten a number of other restrictions against the Russian Federation.

The Russian consulate general in Bonn ceased operations ahead of schedule on September 1, although the German authorities demanded its closure by September 18.

Moscow denies its involvement in the Leipzig incident. The day before, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the German chargé d'affaires and protested against Berlin's actions.

However, the closure of the Goethe-Instituts may not be Russia's last measure. Moscow also allows further reciprocal steps in the diplomatic sphere.

Based on materials: Tagesschau, Goethe-Institut