Russia shuts German consulate in St. Petersburg and Goethe centers

interfax.ru (Russian)

Russia has halted operations of Germany's Consulate General in St. Petersburg and Goethe cultural centers in Russia, citing Berlin's unfriendly actions. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Monday, September 7, 2026. The consulate must cease activity by September 18, 2026, with all staff required to leave Russia by that date. Goethe Institute centers must close, with their staff departing by September 13. Moscow stated Germany provoked the escalation, placing full responsibility on the German government. The move responds to Germany's closure of Russia's consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin, announced by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in early September.


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