Russia will close German cultural centres across the country, according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This decision is a tit-for-tat response to deteriorating relations and follows Germany’s accusation that Moscow was responsible for an attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. As a result, Germany is closing the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin.
Western officials accuse Russia of conducting sabotage to undermine support for Ukraine and destabilise Europe, claims that Russia denies. Europe sees itself as engaged in a hybrid war with Russia, facing threats from cyber warfare, disinformation, and military aggression.
The British government summoned the top Russian diplomat in London to protest what it called Russia’s “reckless attack“ on the airport. In Finland, over 2,000 people participated in a major civil defence exercise in anticipation of potential missile threats from Russia.
Lavrov announced that Germany’s Goethe-Institut cultural centres in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg would be closed. A drone equipped with explosives was found near a Ukrainian plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport, a crucial hub for supporting Ukraine. Putin dismissed allegations against Russia, asserting they are attempts by Germany to deflect attention from its issues.
EU ministers are seeking non-military ways to respond to the drone attack while managing ongoing sanctions against Russia. Denmark has warned of potential Russian sabotage targeting its defence industry, while Italy emphasised its commitment to assisting Ukraine despite increased threats and limited weapons production capabilities.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
