BERLIN, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday expressed regret over Moscow's plan to close Goethe-Institut branches in Russia, calling the move "unjustified" and saying it would further damage bilateral relations.

A woman enters the building of the Goethe Institute in Moscow on September 2, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Wadephul told German press agency dpa that the Goethe-Institut has long promoted cultural ties and social exchanges between Germany and Russia and has continued its work under difficult conditions since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

He said Russia's move was "very regrettable," particularly as Germany's decision to close the Russian House in Berlin, formerly known as the Russian House of Science and Culture, came in response to an attack Berlin attributed to Russia.

The German government on Tuesday accused Russia of orchestrating a failed attack involving an explosives-laden drone at Leipzig Airport in eastern Germany in early August and announced a series of measures against Russia, including the closure of the Russian House. Russia has denied any involvement.

Wadephul also said the Russian House had long failed to live up to its name as a "House of Science and Culture."

"It serves neither culture nor science," he said, adding that Russia must decide what kind of relationship it wants with Germany.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on Thursday that the Russian government would close Goethe-Institut branches in the country.