Deutsches Kulturinstitut: Moskau reagiert auf Berlin: Goethe-Institute vor dem Aus

Deutsches Kulturinstitut, Goethe-Institute react to Berlin's threat of closing Russian cultural centers

Moscow reacted to Berlin's threat of closing Russian cultural centers, including the Russian House in Berlin, by announcing it would shut down the remaining Goethe-Institutes in Russia. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul lamented the closure of the Goethe-Institutes in Russia, stating that they had contributed to cultural relations and societal exchange between Russia and Germany despite the difficult conditions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Wadephul said the move would further damage German-Russian relations. Meanwhile, the German government announced sanctions against Russia, including the closing of the Russian House in Berlin and the termination of the contract for the operation of the Russian House. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the measure in Vladivostok, according to Interfax news agency.

Although language classes remained popular in Moscow, with some Kremlin loyalists arguing that the Goethe-Institutes and the Russian House in Berlin should remain open to preserve cultural and human relationships, Russian officials in Goethe-Institutes prepared to lose their jobs. Russian government spokesperson Dmitri Peskow dismissed accusations that Russia was involved in the drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport, criticizing the German government's threat of sanctions as "absurd."

Berlin expects further Russian retaliation, potentially including the closure of the German General Consulate in Bonn and the expulsion of numerous diplomats. In response, Germany may close the German General Consulate in St. Petersburg, expel Russian diplomats, implement stricter entry controls for Russians, and take a tougher stance against Russia's shadow fleet.