Russia has ordered the closure of the German consulate in St. Petersburg by September 18, responding to Germany’s recent closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and a Russian cultural center in Berlin. The move follows Germany’s accusation that Russia was responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig-Halle Airport, a major international freight hub that also supports Ukraine. Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated that Germany provoked a new escalation in bilateral relations and bears full responsibility for the consequences, also announcing the closure of Goethe-Institut branches across Russia by September 13.
The Leipzig attack involved three drones carrying explosives, with one found near a Ukrainian Antonov plane used for munitions transport. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced the countermeasures against Russia following the incident, while EU officials described the attack as potentially “state sponsored terrorism.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected the allegations, calling them “the beginning of a real war.”
Left-leaning outlets emphasize the drone attack as the catalyst for the diplomatic fallout, while right-leaning coverage focuses on Russia’s framing of Germany’s actions as provocative. Not in dispute is the reciprocal nature of the consulate closures. The Goethe-Institut, largely financed by the German government, promotes German language and culture. Staff at the institute must leave Russia by September 13. Interior Minister Alexander Dorbindt warned that Germany anticipates further hybrid attacks from Russia, potentially causing greater damage.
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