Russia closes German consulate in St Petersburg in retaliation for Berlin's shutdown of Russian facilities

Russia ordered the closure of Germany's consulate in St. Petersburg on Monday, escalating a diplomatic dispute after Berlin shut Russian facilities over an alleged drone attack. The Russian Foreign Ministry said German staff must leave the country by September 18. Moscow stated the move retaliates against Germany's "unfriendly" decision to close Russia's consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural centre. Germany blamed Russia for an explosives-laden drone found near a Ukrainian aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4, an accusation Moscow denies. The closure also reaffirms Russia's earlier order for the Goethe-Institut cultural centres in Moscow and St. Petersburg to shut, with employees required to leave by Sunday. The dispute reflects broader tensions over the war in Ukraine, with Western officials accusing Russia of sabotage campaigns across Europe.