Russia to shut Goethe-Institut branches after Germany closes Russian House in Berlin
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Germany's Goethe-Institut branches in Russia will be closed, in response to Germany shutting down the Russian House in Berlin. The move follows rising tensions over a sabotage attempt at Leipzig Airport.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced during a speech at the Eastern Economic Forum that Germany's Goethe-Institut cultural centers in Russia will be closed. He framed the decision as a direct response to Russia's own cultural center being expelled from Berlin.
According to Lavrov, German authorities, who are taking action against Russia over the Leipzig Airport sabotage attempt, are knowingly ending Germany's cultural presence in Russia.
Goethe-Institut's presence in Russia
The Goethe-Institut is a German non-governmental organization that promotes the German language and international cultural exchange. It has operated three branches in Russia — in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk. The oldest, in Moscow, opened on October 8, 1992. The institute also allowed Russians to take German language proficiency exams.
Background of the dispute
Germany has blamed Russia for a sabotage attempt uncovered in early August, when a drone rigged with explosives was found near a Ukrainian transport aircraft at Leipzig Airport. On September 1, Germany responded with retaliatory measures, closing Russia's consulate general in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin, and tightening entry controls for Russian citizens.
