MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced the closure of the German Consulate in St. Petersburg on Monday, 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 must leave Russia by September 18. Additionally, it reaffirmed the earlier decision to close German Goethe-Institut cultural centers in Moscow and St. Petersburg, with employees required to depart by Sunday.
The ministry characterized these actions as retaliation for Germany's decision to close the Russian Consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin, which it described as 'unfriendly.' 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. The airport is a significant international freight hub that supports Ukraine, and the drone was subsequently defused.
Moscow has denied any involvement in the drone incident, labeling it 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 conducting a campaign of sabotage and disruption aimed at undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations, claims that Russia has dismissed.