Ukraine urges countries to close 'Russian House' centers, citing disinformation, espionage risks

Ukraine has formally requested that nations worldwide curtail or dismantle Russian state-run cultural centers, according to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on September 19. He accused these centers, operated by the Russian agency Rossotrudnichestvo, of being utilized for disinformation, destabilization, and espionage. Sybiha emphasized that Russia is waging a global campaign for public opinion through a network of organizations and communication channels, highlighting the significance of the "cognitive domain of modern warfare."

Ukraine has reached out to governments across the globe, providing arguments for restricting or closing these centers. Currently, Russian Houses are operational in at least seven European countries, with a larger network spanning Africa, Asia, and South America. Sybiha denounced these centers as promoting war propaganda, stating that "our shared European home is not the place for Russian houses."

Germany's decision to close the Russian House in Berlin, following an attempted explosive-drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August, demonstrates the gravity of the situation. Berlin attributed the incident to Russia, citing intelligence services and criminal investigations. The German government formally blamed Russia on September 1, subsequently ordering the closure of the remaining consulate-general in Bonn and terminating the agreement governing the Berlin center.

The Berlin center, operated by Rossotrudnichestvo, has been under EU sanctions since 2022, resulting in the dismissal of staff and the expulsion of Russian personnel.

Germany's response to the Leipzig incident includes plans to impose additional sanctions on Russia, tighten entry restrictions for Russian citizens, and intensify pressure on Russia's "shadow fleet." Moscow has denied involvement in the attempted drone attack. In retaliation, Russia has ordered the closure of the German Consulate-General in St. Petersburg and the Goethe-Institut's cultural centers in Russia.

This dispute arises amid heightened European concerns over suspected Russian hybrid operations, encompassing sabotage, cyberattacks, drone incidents, disinformation, and efforts to influence political discourse. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte referred to the Leipzig incident as a Russian hybrid attack and affirmed the alliance's solidarity with Germany.

NATO has also stated that Russia is conducting a broader hybrid campaign against its member states, involving critical infrastructure sabotage, cyber operations, disinformation, and malign political influence.