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[INTERNATIONAL] · Germany, Russia · 24 sources

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Russia to close Goethe-Institut branches following German diplomatic closures

Diplomatic relations between Germany and Russia have escalated following Germany's decision to close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin. Berlin cited a suspected “hybrid attack” involving an explosives-laden drone discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August as the basis for these measures.

In retaliation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Moscow will close branches of the German Goethe-Institut in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg. Lavrov stated that these actions represent a deliberate move by Germany to end its cultural presence in Russia. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also summoned the German chargé d'affaires in Moscow to deliver a formal protest, describing the German decisions as a step toward destroying bilateral ties.

While Russia has dismissed the drone incident as “baseless provocations,” German officials have indicated that the incident is not viewed as an isolated event. The escalation marks a significant breakdown in cultural and diplomatic exchange between the two nations.

Entities

Dmitry Peskov · Germany · Goethe Institute · Goethe-Institut · Leipzig/Halle Airport · Russia · Russian House of Science and Culture · Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs · Sergei Lavrov · Sergey Lavrov

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