Russia to close Goethe‑Institut offices in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov framed the closures as retaliation after Germany announced it would shut the Russian House in Berlin.
Russia will close the Goethe-Institut offices in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced, signalling a cultural and diplomatic response to recent German measures.
Diplomatic retaliation after Berlin's move
Lavrov said the decision follows Germany's announcement that it will shut the Russian House in Berlin and indicated Moscow must respond to that step. He warned that the closure of the cultural centre in Berlin "cannot remain unanswered."
The announcement adds another layer to already strained relations between the two countries, as Berlin and Moscow trade reciprocal sanctions and expulsions tied to broader geopolitical disputes.
German authorities have also accused Russia of being behind a recent drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport and said further measures would follow. That accusation has heightened tensions and provided part of the rationale for Berlin's actions.
In addition to the planned closure of the Russian House in Berlin, Germany intends to close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn, terminate the agreement governing the Russian House's operation, and tighten entry controls for Russian citizens.
The move to shut Goethe-Institut branches is likely to deepen cultural and diplomatic rifts, removing longstanding channels for cultural exchange even as both capitals prepare for further reciprocal steps.
Photo: press material from the event
