Russia orders closure of German consulate in Saint Petersburg

Russia announced on 7 September 2026 that it will close the German general consulate in Saint Petersburg, ordering the mission to cease operations by 18 September as a reciprocal measure after Berlin moved to shut a Russian consulate and a cultural centre.

In the same statement Moscow said that the Goethe‑Institut’s cultural centres in Russia must suspend activities and that their staff have been instructed to leave the country by 13 September. The moves mark a further deterioration in diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Diplomatic tit‑for‑tat

The decision follows Berlin’s closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian cultural centre in Berlin. German authorities have linked their actions to an alleged attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport — an incident Moscow dismissed as an "absurd fabrication".

The Russian Foreign Ministry framed its measures as a direct response. "Once again the German authorities are the ones who provoked a new round of escalation in bilateral relations. The German government bears full and complete responsibility for the consequences," the ministry said.

Officials in both capitals have not yet provided further practical details on consular services or the fate of remaining staff. Analysts say the expulsions and closures will complicate visa services, cultural exchanges and any channel for dialogue between Moscow and Berlin at a time of heightened mutual suspicion.

Photo: press material from the event