Russia reciprocates Germany's actions and closes its consulate in Saint Petersburg

Moscow, Sept 7 (KUNA) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday the withdrawal of its approval for the German Consulate General in the Russian city of St. Petersburg to operate and its closure, a move it described as “a reciprocal response to measures taken by Berlin against Russian interests in Germany.”

In a statement, the ministry said the German consulate must cease its activities no later than September 18, with all its staff leaving Russian territory by the same date. It added that Moscow had also decided to halt the activities of German cultural centers in Russia affiliated with the Goethe Institute, ordering their staff to depart by September 13 at the latest.

The ministry explained that these measures were taken in response to Germany’s decision to close the Russian Consulate General in the city of Bonn and to end the activities of the Russian Cultural House in Berlin, considering that Berlin had once again triggered “a new round of escalation” in bilateral relations. The ministry placed “full responsibility” for the repercussions of this escalation on the German side, emphasizing that the Russian measures were taken in line with the principle of reciprocity.

Last week, the German government announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn, along with steps to end the activities of the Russian Cultural House in Berlin, following German allegations that Russia was behind a drone attack attempt near Leipzig-Halle Airport. Tensions between Moscow and Berlin have escalated in the wake of the incident, with Russia denying the German accusations of its responsibility, while Moscow announced its intention to take countermeasures in response to the German steps. (End) D.A.N./S.M.A.