Germany reviews status of Russian House in Berlin amid security concerns

The German government is reviewing the legal basis for the operation of the Russian House in Berlin following a drone attack on Leipzig Airport and concerns regarding increased Russian hybrid activities. Officials are considering terminating a 2011 agreement that governs the cultural and information center, which could take effect as early as June 2027.

Security concerns have already impacted government operations. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport has relocated several departments near the Russian House, but due to intelligence warnings that the facility may serve as a cover for Russian intelligence activities, sensitive departments—including those focused on telecommunications security—have remained in Bonn rather than moving to Berlin.

The Russian House is managed by Rossotrudnichestvo, a state agency currently under EU sanctions. French authorities have previously alleged the facility is used by Russian intelligence services. A potential termination of the agreement could lead to retaliatory measures from Moscow, such as the closure of German Goethe-Institutes in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.