Russian officials announced plans to close three Goethe-Institut cultural centres operated by Germany following an escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Wednesday that the facilities in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg would be shuttered in response to Germany’s decision to close a Russian cultural centre in Berlin and a consulate in Bonn. Lavrov characterized Germany’s actions as deliberate steps that would end Germany’s cultural presence in Russia, noting that the Goethe-Institut locations had remained operational throughout previous tensions related to Ukraine.
The closure announcement came after Germany blamed Russia for a drone incident at Leipzig/Halle airport last month. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt accused Russia of orchestrating what he termed a “hybrid attack,” stating that an explosive-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane on August 4 and subsequently defused. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the allegations, accusing Germany of fabricating evidence to implicate Moscow in the incident.
European Union officials characterized the incident as part of a broader sabotage campaign allegedly aimed at destabilizing Ukraine’s Western allies. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the drone incident as having “hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism” and confirmed that EU member states had summoned the Russian envoy to discuss the matter. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that the EU would not allow such actions to go without consequences.
EU foreign ministers agreed to continue work on a sanctions proposal targeting 1,600 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s military industry, with hopes to adopt the measures next month. Kremlin representatives criticized Germany’s position as inconsistent, while Lavrov’s deputy, Alexander Grushko, indicated that Russia would undertake retaliatory measures “very soon” regarding the Bonn consulate closure. The Goethe-Institut had maintained operations in Russia since opening in Moscow in 1992 following the Soviet Union’s dissolution.
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