Germany mulls shuttering Russian cultural center in Berlin, media reports
Four years since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian House has been allowed to continue operating at its location on Friedrichstrasse, one of Berlin's most famous streets.
Germany is contemplating the closure of the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin, according to a report by Der Spiegel on August 21. This potential move is prompted by drone disruptions at Leipzig airport earlier in August, with suspicions that Russia may have orchestrated the incident, which officials have labeled a "hybrid attack scenario."
Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian House has been permitted to function at its location on Friedrichstrasse, a prominent street in Berlin, alongside Checkpoint Charlie and Germany's parliament.
The Russian House, similar to other such centers in various countries, appears to operate despite sanctions that should limit its activities and is suspected of aiding espionage. A German lawmaker, Roderich Kiesewetter, recently expressed concern over the Russian House's proximity to Germany's Digital Ministry, describing it as "truly incomprehensible."
The German government has hesitated to terminate the agreement with Moscow due to concerns about retaliation against Germany's Goethe Institute, the primary representative of German civil society in Russia.
However, the German Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the government is thoroughly examining the foundation of the Russian House under international treaty law. Der Spiegel predicts that a preliminary decision could be made as early as next week.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
