In a significant escalation of diplomatic hostilities, Moscow has ordered the closure of the German consulate in St. Petersburg. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday that all diplomatic personnel and support staff associated with the facility must cease operations and depart the country no later than September 18.
This directive serves as a direct retaliation for Berlin’s decision last week to shutter Russia’s consulate general in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. The German government took those measures following allegations that Moscow was involved in a failed drone attack targeting Leipzig/Halle Airport. In response to these closures, Russia had already mandated the shutdown of all Goethe-Institut branches within its borders, with staff ordered to leave by this coming Sunday.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov publicly denounced Germany’s accusations regarding the drone incident, characterizing the claims as “the beginning of a real war.” Lavrov further criticized Berlin’s actions against Russian diplomatic institutions, comparing the current climate to events preceding World War II. He labeled the measures “absolutely unacceptable” and accused German authorities of seeking “war again.”
President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the allegations of Russian involvement in the drone attack, claiming without providing specific evidence that the accusations were “planted.” These developments mark a new low in bilateral relations between Moscow and Berlin, which have steadily deteriorated since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Germany has established itself as a primary European ally for Kyiv, providing substantial material support throughout the conflict. According to the German Foreign Ministry, the country has committed approximately $50 billion in civilian aid and nearly $67 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. President Putin has consistently condemned this Western support, viewing it as a direct challenge to Russian interests. The report also notes that and brings into the open the growing ill feeling between the two countries amid Russia’s war on Ukraine, the order represents a tit-for-tat move.