Another diplomatic clash has erupted between Russia and Germany, after Moscow decided to close the German Consulate General in St. Petersburg. The decision was made by the Russian Foreign Ministry, which revoked the diplomatic mission's authorization to operate.
According to Moscow's decision, the consulate must cease operations by September 18. Its staff members have also been ordered to leave Russian territory by the same date.
The Russian measures are not limited to diplomatic missions. The Kremlin has also ordered the closure of German cultural centers such as the Goethe Center in Russia. German employees working at these institutions must leave the country by September 13.
Moscow justified the decision by accusing German authorities of inciting another escalation in relations between the two countries. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Berlin will bear responsibility for the consequences that further deterioration of bilateral relations may bring.
This development comes amid tensions following a recent incident at Leipzig Airport. On August 4, German authorities discovered a drone near a Ukrainian plane, temporarily suspending the use of both runways.
After the incident, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the event as part of a series of hybrid actions that, according to him, are linked to Russia and aim to create destabilization in Europe.
