Russia Closes German Consulate in St. Petersburg as Retaliation

Russia announced the closure of Germany's consulate in St. Petersburg, citing it as retaliation for Germany's earlier closure of Russian consulates. The move marks a further deterioration in bilateral relations. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated on the 8th that the German consulate in St. Petersburg must close by September 18, with its staff required to leave Russia by the 19th. Germany-funded cultural institutions were ordered to close by September 13. Germany had previously blamed Russia for an August drone collision with a cargo plane at Leipzig airport and closed Russian consulates in Bonn. The dispute stems from Germany's accusation that Russia was responsible for the Leipzig airport incident, where explosives were found nearby. Russia claims its actions are a response to Germany's "unfriendly behavior."