Russia closes German consulate in St Petersburg after drone spat

Moscow: Russia said on ​Monday it ​was closing down the German ​Consulate-General in St. Petersburg in retaliation for Berlin's decision to close the Russian ‌consulate in ⁠Bonn ⁠and a Russian cultural centre ​in Berlin.

Germany took its own measures after accusing Moscow ​of an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, an allegation ​Russia called an absurd ⁠fabrication.

Read more: Germany 'wants war again', Russia FM says, dismissing drone accusations


The ‌Russian Foreign Ministry said ​in ​a statement that the ⁠German consulate in St. Petersburg must ​cease operations no later than ​September 18.

It also confirmed that Germany's Goethe-Institut cultural centres in Russia must cease their activities, with staff ordered to leave ‌the country by September 13 at the latest.

Read more: Russia's Lavrov calls accusations of Moscow's involvement in Leipzig drone incident 'start of real war'

"It was ​the ​German authorities ⁠who, once again, provoked a new round of escalation in bilateral relations. ​The German government bears full and complete responsibility for the consequences," Russia's Foreign Ministry said.