Russia to Close Goethe Institute Branches: Response to Closure of Russian House in Berlin

Russia announced it will close Goethe Institute branches in response to Germany's plan to close the "Russian House" cultural center in Berlin. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the announcement at an economic forum in Vladivostok, stating the decision is a reciprocal measure. The Goethe Institute operates a main branch in Moscow as well as cultural centers in St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg.

The German government decided on the closure after an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) carrying explosive material was discovered at Leipzig Airport, claiming Russia planned an attack. Russia dismissed the allegations as baseless, labeling them a provocation orchestrated by Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government to undermine bilateral relations, and warned of a harsh response.

Tensions have continuously risen since Russia launched its war in Ukraine in February 2022, with the Goethe Institute being one of the last remaining German institutions. Both countries have closed each other's consulates general within the framework of EU sanctions packages. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the German Ambassador for Cooperation over "anti-Russian" statements following the Leipzig incident. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced punitive measures in early August, with Wadephul stating the German consulate in Bonn would also be closed.