Ukraine urges governments worldwide to close ‘Russian Houses’

Ukraine has formally urged governments worldwide to shut down a network of "Russian Houses" that the country claims are used for disinformation, destabilization, and espionage. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia has been engaged in a global campaign to influence public opinion through a vast network of tools and channels, which includes cultural centers known as "Russian Houses."

Sybiha noted that Ukraine welcomes initiatives taken by several European nations to curb the activities of these centers, with one such facility in Berlin being closed the previous day due to its harmful influence. According to Sybiha, "Russian Houses" have no place in a shared European home that aims to promote peace in Europe.

Despite numerous closures, some of these disinformation centers continue to operate in at least seven European countries, while their activities are even more extensive in Africa, Central and East Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, and South America. In several nations, the official infrastructure of these centers remains intact, with some being integrated into Russia's diplomatic network.

Ukraine has formally appealed to governments around the world to acknowledge the national security threat posed by this network and has advocated for restrictions on their activities and complete closure of these centers.