Russia orders closure of Goethe-Institut branches across the country

The short version

• Russia's foreign ministry has ordered the Goethe-Institut to close its cultural centers located in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk.[Deutsche Welle]
• The move follows German sanctions linked to an attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport.[Deutsche Welle]
• The closures disrupt German language learners, teacher programs, and access to internationally recognized certification exams.[Deutsche Welle]
• It remains uncertain if language instruction and exams will persist in Russia under alternative formats or partner organizations.[Deutsche Welle]

Key facts

• The Russian foreign ministry ordered the Goethe-Institut to close its centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk.[Deutsche Welle]
• The closure order came in response to German measures over an attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport, which Berlin blamed on Moscow.[Deutsche Welle]
• Germany had previously announced sanctions closing Berlin's Russian House and the Russian Consulate General in Bonn.[Deutsche Welle]
• Around 10,000 students studied German through Goethe-Institut offerings in 2025, down from roughly 16,000 before 2023.[Deutsche Welle]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Russians about Goethe-Institut: 'Hostage to politics'Deutsche Welle