Russia shuts German consulate as drone dispute escalates
The tit-for-tat move marks a new escalation in Berlin and Moscow’s worsening diplomatic fight.
Russia has ordered the closure of the German consulate in St. Petersburg by September 18, citing Berlin's recent "unfriendly actions" as the reason, according to Russia's foreign ministry. This decision comes after Berlin accused Russia of being responsible for a drone attack on German territory. The attack involved three drones with explosive material near Leipzig-Halle Airport, one of which was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov plane used for munitions transport.
In response, Germany has threatened to close Russian consulates in Bonn and Berlin, as well as branches of the German cultural center, the Goethe-Institut, in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Novosibirsk. This escalation in tensions follows a series of suspected Russian attacks on military and critical infrastructure in EU countries.
In August, two drones were spotted over a German military site, while Poland is investigating a possible foreign sabotage involving the arson of a drone factory. Interior Minister Alexander Dorbindt has warned that Germany might face more hybrid attacks and assumes Russia has the willingness to cause significant damage through such actions.
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Also reported by 3 other outlets
- Elon Musk thanked by German far-right leader after landmark election win praised by Russia | First Thing theguardian.com
- Russia to close German consulate in St. Petersburg amid Leipzig drone attack dispute kyivindependent.com
- Russia orders German consulate to close in worsening diplomatic spat abc.net.au
