Russia Orders Closure Of German Consulate In Saint Petersburg
· World · ABC News (AU), Al Jazeera, rt
Russia has ordered the closure of the German Consulate-General in Saint Petersburg by September 18 in retaliation for Berlin's decision to shut down a Russian consulate and a cultural centre. The move follows Germany's accusation that Moscow orchestrated a drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport last month, a claim Russia dismissed as an absurd fabrication. Additionally, Russia has mandated that Goethe-Institut cultural centres cease operations, with staff ordered to leave the country by September 13. Tensions have further intensified as Germany investigates other suspected sabotage attempts on its power grid and defence contractors.
Why it matters
The closure of diplomatic and cultural institutions marks a severe deterioration in bilateral relations between Russia and Germany, complicating diplomatic channels amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Read the original report — ABC News (AU)
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.