Russia's Decision to Close the German Consulate in St. Petersburg
Moscow has suspended the operations of the German consulate in St. Petersburg in retaliation for Germany's decision to close diplomatic facilities.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that, in response to Germany's decision regarding its facilities, the German consulate in St. Petersburg has been closed and staff must leave the country.
Consulate Operations Being Halted
In a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday, it was announced that the activities of the German consulate in St. Petersburg must be terminated.
German consular employees and diplomatic personnel were asked to leave Russia by September 18 at the latest.
Cultural Centers and Retaliatory Steps
The previously announced decision to close German cultural centers in response to Germany's measures was reaffirmed.
Personnel working in these centers were also required to leave the country no later than Sunday.
Germany's Bonn and Berlin Decisions
It was emphasized that these steps taken by the Russian side were a retaliation against the unfriendly decisions implemented by Germany on Wednesday.
The German administration had decided to close the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in the capital, Berlin.
Drone Investigation
Germany had blamed Russia for the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4.
Moscow strongly rejected the accusations regarding the incident at the airport, which is an international cargo hub.