Russia to Shut German Goethe-Institut Centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the closure of German cultural centers in three Russian cities, citing recent diplomatic tensions over a suspected drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Russia will close the Goethe-Institut cultural centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. The decision follows Germany’s recent closure of the Russian Consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin after Berlin blamed Moscow for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Lavrov warned that any further retaliation would demonstrate a lack of “self-respect” on Russia’s part and said Germany “could not have failed to understand” that the Russian House closure marked the end of its cultural presence in Russia.
The Leipzig/Halle incident involved a drone loaded with explosives that was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft on Aug. 4 and subsequently defused. The airport is a key freight hub for supplies to Ukraine.
European Union officials are discussing possible responses, including additional sanctions, visa restrictions and further diplomatic measures. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the incident as having “all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism” and said the bloc is preparing more travel bans and asset freezes.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin had prepared its response and that Russia must now “live with these consequences,” urging Russia to engage in reasonable talks on Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the allegations, claiming the evidence was planted and accusing Berlin of deflecting from domestic issues.
Separately, Danish intelligence warned of potential sabotage targeting its defense industry, while Italy’s defence minister called the Leipzig/Halle event a “very serious act” but affirmed Italy’s continued support for Ukraine.