Russia to close German cultural centers after Berlin blames Moscow for airport drone plot

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Thursday that Russia will close German cultural centers nationwide following Berlin's accusation that Moscow was behind a plot to attack Leipzig/Halle Airport with a drone carrying explosives. The closure includes the Russian Consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.

Lavrov stated that the closure of Russian cultural centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg would demonstrate Russia's self-respect. He emphasized that Germany should have understood the implications of the Russian House closure. Following the incident, which occurred on August 4th, Western officials accused Russia of a campaign of sabotage aimed at undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin denied these allegations, alleging that Berlin was attempting to deflect attention from its own shortcomings and voter dissatisfaction.