Russia to close German consulate, Goethe centers
Pedestrians walk along a street at the German Consulate General building in St. Petersburg, Russia, September 7, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
Russia is closing the German Consulate General in St. Petersburg, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday.
In a statement, the ministry said the consulate must cease all operations no later than September 18. It added that Goethe-Institut cultural centers in Russia must also terminate their operations, with employees required to leave Russia by September 13.
The ministry said relevant diplomatic notes had been handed to Germany's charge d'affaires.
The measures were taken in response to Germany's earlier decision to shut the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin, formerly known as the Russian House of Science and Culture, on September 7. The move came after Germany alleged that an explosive-laden drone found at Leipzig Airport in early August was of Russian origin.