Retaliation from Russia to Germany: Deadline of September 18 for St. Petersburg Consulate General

Diplomatic tensions between Russia and Germany have escalated with a new reciprocal move. In response to Berlin's decision to close Russia's Consulate General in Bonn, the Moscow administration has demanded that Germany terminate the operations of its Consulate General in St. Petersburg.

According to a statement issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the German consulate has been given until September 18. The statement also noted that the mission's staff must leave Russia by this date.

The backdrop of the tension involves the discovery of a drone at Germany's Leipzig-Halle Airport on August 4, which was reported to be carrying an explosive device. The German government had announced a series of measures against Moscow, arguing that findings from the investigation pointed to Russia.

BERLIN'S STEPS AND MOSCOW'S RESPONSE

The decisions announced by Berlin include the closure of Russia's Consulate General in Bonn as of September 18, the termination of the contract regarding the Russian House in Berlin, the tightening of entry controls for Russian citizens, and increased pressure on ships described as Russia's "shadow fleet."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reacted sharply to Berlin, stating that Germany was targeting Moscow. Lavrov remarked, "They blamed us without investigating the facts. This is the beginning of a real war."

Moscow's counter-steps were not limited to diplomatic missions. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Goethe-Institut's centers in Russia must also cease operations. Institute staff were given until September 13 to leave the country.

The Russian side held Berlin responsible for the new tension in bilateral relations. The statement emphasized that the German government would be responsible for the consequences of the decisions it has taken.

News Source: 12punto