World News
Russia announces closure of Germany's Goethe-Institut branches
Moscow orders the shutdown of three cultural institutes following Germany's closure of Russian diplomatic and cultural sites over an airport drone incident.
The short version
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the shutdown of Goethe-Institut locations in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg.
- The closures come in retaliation to Germany shutting down a Russian cultural center in Berlin and a consulate in Bonn.
- Germany cited an airport drone incident for its actions, while Moscow denied involvement and accused German authorities of fabricating evidence.
Key facts
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the closure of Goethe-Institut branches operating in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg.[Deutsche Welle]
- Germany previously ordered the closure of the Russian House in Berlin and a Russian consulate in Bonn after blaming Moscow for a drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport.[Deutsche Welle]
- Russian President Vladimir Putin denied Moscow's involvement in the airport drone incident and accused Germany of planting evidence.[Deutsche Welle]
- The Goethe-Institut has operated in Russia since its first branch opened in Moscow in 1992.[Deutsche Welle]
What remains uncertain
- The specific timeline for when the Goethe-Institut branches must officially cease operations in Russia was not detailed.[Deutsche Welle]
Sources
- Russia to close branches of Germany's Goethe-InstitutDeutsche Welle