Russia Closes German Consulate in St. Petersburg Following Leipzig Drone Incident

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia's Foreign Ministry announced the closure of the German consulate in St. Petersburg on Monday, marking the latest development in a series of reciprocal actions following an attempted drone attack in Leipzig that Germany attributed to Russia. The ministry stated that the German consulate must cease operations and its personnel are required to leave Russia by September 18. Additionally, it reiterated the earlier decision to close German Goethe-Institut cultural centers in Moscow and St. Petersburg, with employees expected to depart by Sunday. The ministry characterized these actions as retaliation for Germany's recent decision to close the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. Germany has accused Russia of being responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4, where an explosives-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft. This airport serves as a significant international freight hub for supporting Ukraine. The drone was subsequently defused. Moscow has denied any involvement in the drone incident, describing it as a provocation. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated, "It was the German authorities who once again provoked a new round of escalation in bilateral relations. All responsibility for the consequences lies entirely with the German government." Western officials have accused Moscow of engaging in sabotage and disruption campaigns aimed at undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations, claims that Russia has rejected.