Russia announced on September 3, 2026, that it would close Goethe-Institut cultural centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg in response to Germany's closure of the Russian House in Berlin and the Russian Consulate in Bonn. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov characterized the move as ending Russia's cultural presence in Germany.
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Russia will close the Goethe-Institut’s cultural centers in the country, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday, in response to Germany’s decision to shut the Russian House in Berlin after blaming Moscow for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport [abcnews.com#1][dw.com#4][tagesschau.de#2]. Lavrov said Germany “could not have failed to understand” that closing the Russian House wo
Russia to close branches of Germany's Goethe-Institut after drone spat, foreign minister says Reuters
It comes after the closure of a Russian cultural centre in Berlin and a consulate in Bonn.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the move in statements carried by Russian newswires. It comes after Germany said it would close the Russian House in Berlin.
Russia will close branches of Germany’s Goethe Institut in retaliation for the country’s decision to shut the Russian House cultural center in Berlin as well as a consulate in Bonn.
Russia says it will close Germany’s Goethe-Institut cultural centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg after Berlin shut the Russian Consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin. Germany’s move followed an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, which Berlin blamed on Russia.
"They consciously took this step — they could not have failed to understand — which means the end of their cultural presence in Russia," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
KYIV INDEPENDENT: Russia to shut Goethe-Institut branches in response to Germany closing Russian House https:// kyivindependent.com/russia-to- shut-goethe-institut-branches-in-response-to-germany-closing-russian-house/ "They consciously took this step — they could not have failed to understand — which means the end of their cultural presence in Russia," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
Moscow to shut Goethe-Institut centres after Germany announces the closure of two Russian institutions.
KYIV POST: Russia to Close Goethe-Institut Branches in Retaliation Against Germany https://www. kyivpost.com/post/83653 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia would close Goethe-Institut branches across the country in response to Germany’s measures following an explosives-laden drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport. # World # Europe