Russia shuts German consulate in St. Petersburg over drone dispute

Russia announced the closure of Germany's consulate in St. Petersburg on Monday, ordering its staff to leave by Sept. 18, escalating a diplomatic dispute following an alleged drone incident. The move also reaffirms the shutdown of German cultural centers in Moscow and St. Petersburg, with employees required to depart by Sunday. The Russian Foreign Ministry framed these actions as retaliation for Germany's decision to close the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. Germany had blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on Aug. 4, where an explosives-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian plane, though Moscow denied involvement. The dispute reflects broader tensions, as Western officials have accused Russia of sabotage campaigns to undermine support for Ukraine, accusations Moscow rejects. Russia cast the German actions as provocation, placing full responsibility for consequences on the German government.