Russia Orders German Consulate in St. Petersburg to Close by September 18
Summary
Russia has ordered Germany’s consulate in St. Petersburg to close by September 18 in retaliation for Berlin shutting two Russian diplomatic offices. The move deepens already strained relations between the two countries amid the war in Ukraine.
Key Points
- Russia told Germany’s consulate in St. Petersburg to cease operations by September 18 and ordered its diplomats and staff to leave the country.
- The closure is retaliation for Germany shutting two Russian diplomatic offices after accusing Russia of an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport.
- Russia said Germany has opened a new phase of tension and must bear responsibility for the consequences.
- Relations between Russia and Germany have worsened since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Germany remaining a major supporter of Kyiv.
