Russia closes German consulate in St. Petersburg

Russia has ordered the closure of Germany's consulate general in St. Petersburg, with staff required to leave the country by September 18. The move follows Berlin's decision to shut Russian diplomatic facilities in Germany. The Russian Foreign Ministry also reaffirmed the closure of all Goethe Institutes, giving their employees until Sunday to depart. Moscow framed these actions as retaliation for Germany's "unfriendly" decision to close Russia's consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin, placing full responsibility on the German government. Germany's Foreign Office called the move "a regrettable mistake" that complicates a return to constructive ties. Tensions have escalated since a drone incident near Leipzig/Halle airport in August, which Berlin blames on Russia, a claim Moscow denies. Both countries have already significantly reduced their diplomatic presence.