Spying Allegations Against Russian House in Berlin
There are calls to shut down what the Russians call a cultural institution. Those in charge seem to be reluctant because they know what Moscow would do if they went ahead.
The Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin, a target of suspicion for security experts, is facing renewed scrutiny over allegations of Russian intelligence operations. According to a French intelligence assessment, the building is used as a cover for Russian intelligence activities, reported French broadcaster WDR and the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" daily.
The French Interior Ministry expelled former head of the French branch of RT, Xenia Fedorova, for six months, alleging she sought to take the directorship of the Russian House. Paris regards Fedorova as a Kremlin propagandist who spreads disinformation to divide European societies. The Russian House, established in 1984, is run by Rossotrudnichestvo, a Russian government agency sanctioned by the EU in 2022 for promoting the Kremlin’s influence abroad.
Despite the allegations, the Russian House continues to receive public funding for operational expenses, including land tax. Additionally, a federal government office has recently moved into a building directly next to the Russian House. The Foreign Ministry acknowledges the French allegations and emphasizes that all relevant security agencies were involved with protective measures in place.
However, the situation has sparked debate over the Russian House's purpose and its alignment with German national interests.
Written by urgent.news from The Berlin Spectator's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
