Russia reportedly closes Goethe-Institut in retaliation for drone dispute with Germany

Moscow is escalating its dispute with Berlin over a drone found at Leipzig/Halle Airport. According to agency reports, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ordered the closure of Russian Goethe-Institut sites.

The move follows Germany's announcement of further measures against Russia. Berlin plans to close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn, terminate the agreements covering the Russian House in Berlin and propose adding more Russian citizens to the European Union's sanctions lists. Both countries have previously closed consulates in response to sanctions.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said police investigations, the pattern of the incident and intelligence findings together showed that Russia was responsible for the attempted attack at the airport. Germany therefore held Russia accountable for what he called a “hybrid attack.” Russia denies any connection with the drone.

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hybrid attack

President Vladimir Putin described Germany's decision as “another serious mistake” that ran counter to the interests of the German people. He said the move was linked to Germany's upcoming election campaigns.

The drone, reportedly fitted with explosives, was discovered during the night of August 4 to 5 in a restricted area of Leipzig/Halle Airport, between Ukrainian Antonov cargo planes. Investigators believe it struck one of the aircraft. Part of the quadcopter was later found on an Antonov's wing near its fuel tanks. The drone lay on the ground, and its explosive detonator apparently failed.

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another serious mistake