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

Russia is preparing to close German cultural institutions throughout its territory, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Thursday. This decision follows Berlin's accusations that Moscow was behind an attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, which involved a drone carrying explosives aimed at a Ukrainian aircraft. In response, Berlin announced the closure of both the Russian Consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.

Lavrov stated that closing the German cultural centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg would demonstrate a lack of "self-respect" on the part of Germany. At the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Lavrov noted that Germany should have been aware that the closure of the Russian House would effectively mark the end of their cultural presence in Russia.

A drone equipped with explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4 and was subsequently neutralized. The airport serves as a major international freight hub, playing a crucial role in supporting Ukraine. Western officials have widely accused Russia of waging a campaign of sabotage and disruption, aiming to undermine its adversaries.