Moscow’s decision follows Germany’s closure of a Russian consulate and cultural facilities, deepening tensions between the two countries.
MOSCOW: Russia has ordered Germany to close its Consulate-General in St. Petersburg, escalating an already growing diplomatic dispute between Moscow and Berlin.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Sept. 7, requiring the German consulate’s staff to leave Russia by Sept. 18. The move was presented as a retaliatory measure following Germany’s decision to close Russia’s consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.
The dispute is linked to allegations surrounding a drone incident near Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. Berlin has accused Russia of involvement in the attempted attack, while Moscow has rejected the allegation.
Russia has also ordered the closure of German Goethe-Institut cultural centers in the country, with staff reportedly required to leave by Sept. 13.
The diplomatic measures mark another deterioration in relations between Russia and Germany amid broader tensions between Moscow and European countries over the war in Ukraine and security issues.
The latest development comes as the United States continues diplomatic engagement with Russia. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as Washington seeks progress toward ending the Ukraine conflict.
The talks have raised concerns in some European capitals about the possibility of Europe being sidelined in negotiations over the war. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has stressed that Europe would need to be involved in any eventual settlement because such an agreement could create obligations for European countries.
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