Russia to close German cultural centers and end ‘their cultural presence in Russia’
Russia announced that it would close all German Goethe-Institut cultural centers throughout the country in retaliation for Germany closing the Russian House cultural center in Berlin earlier this week. That closure happened after Germany deemed Russia responsible for an explosive-laden drone and detonator discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport. It is believed that Moscow was planning to use the device to target Ukrainian transport aircraft that arrive and depart there. Germany also closed the Russian Consulate in Bonn.
TL;DR
- Russia will close all German Goethe-Institut cultural centers.
- This is in retaliation for Germany closing the Russian House cultural center in Berlin and the Russian Consulate in Bonn.
- Germany closed the Russian sites after discovering an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport, believed to be intended for targeting Ukrainian transport aircraft.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the closure of Goethe-Instituts in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg.
- Lavrov denied Russian involvement in the drone incident, stating Germany acted on false pretexts and speculation.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin also denied involvement, suggesting the drone was planted and Germany fabricated allegations.