Russia's Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that the German consulate in St. Petersburg will be shut down, effective immediately. The decision follows a wave of diplomatic expulsions and heightened rhetoric between Moscow and Berlin.
German officials have blamed Russia for a suspected drone attack on Leipzig airport last month. "Germany blames Russia for last month's attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport," reported Bloomberg. Moscow responded by labeling the accusation as unfounded and escalated its diplomatic response.
Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, warned that Germany's stance "is moving toward war with Russia," according to Al Jazeera. Lavrov's remarks were made during a press briefing on the same day the consulate closure was announced.
DW reported that the consulate shutdown is part of a broader freeze in diplomatic relations, with both sides expelling diplomats and restricting consular services. "Russia shutters German consulate as diplomatic freeze deepens," the outlet noted.
German authorities have not detailed the operational impact on German citizens in the region, but the closure removes a key point of contact for visa services and consular assistance.
German government spokespeople declined to comment on the specific timing of the closure but reiterated that Berlin will continue to pursue diplomatic channels. NPR highlighted that Germany is planning an "anti‑sabotage shield" after the Leipzig incident, indicating a broader security response.
Both countries remain engaged in a series of retaliatory measures, and the closure marks the latest escalation in a dispute that began with the drone attack allegations.
