Russia Shuts German Consulate In St Petersburg Over Drone Attack Charge
Moscow-Berlin ties -- already massively tense since Russia's Ukraine offensive -- spiralled further last week, with Germany accusing Russia of orchestrating a drone attack on Leipzig airport.
Russia has announced the closure of the German consulate general in St Petersburg and all branches of Germany’s Goethe Institute in the country, citing retaliation for Berlin's decision to close the Russia House cultural centre in Berlin and the Russia consulate general in Bonn. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that German consulate staff must leave Russia by September 18, while Goethe Institute employees have been ordered to leave by September 13.
The German Foreign Office criticized Moscow's decision, calling it a "regrettable mistake" that will make it harder to restore constructive relations. This move follows an attempted attack involving an explosives-laden drone at Leipzig airport in early August, which Berlin blamed on Moscow, a claim Russia categorically denies.
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