September 3, 2026 | 03:53 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that Germany's Goethe-Institut cultural centers would be closed in Russia, DW reported.
In remarks carried by Russian news agencies TASS and Interfax, Lavrov said Goethe-Institut branches would be closed in the Russian cities of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg.
The statement came after Germany blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack at the Leipzig/Halle Airport. Germany's response to that incident included closing the Russian House cultural center in Berlin and the Russian consulate in Bonn.
'End' of German cultural presence in Russia
"Of course they will be closed after our cultural center was expelled from there [from Berlin]," Lavrov said, speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
"They deliberately took this step — they could not have failed to understand — which means the end of their cultural presence in Russia," Lavrov said, according to state news agency TASS.
He added the centers had remained open "despite all the Ukrainian complications in our relations with the West."
Russia has also threatened to take further measures, possibly including the closure of Germany's consulate general in St. Petersburg.
On Wednesday, Russia's Foreign Ministry summoned the charge d'affaires of the German Embassy in Moscow to protest Berlin's response to the August drone incident. According to the ministry, the official was called in over what it described as anti-Russian actions and statements by the German leadership.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Germany of planting evidence to blame Moscow for the explosives-laden drone.
What is the Goethe-Institut?
Russia's first Goethe-Institut opened in Moscow in 1992, shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The cultural organization operates in around 100 countries worldwide, promoting the study of the German language and providing information about German culture and society.
The Goethe-Institut is one of the last German institutions still operating in Russia.
Moscow has labeled several foreign organizations "undesirable," effectively banning them from operating.
In 2018, Russia ordered the closure of the British Council following a diplomatic dispute with the UK.
Read: Berlin's Punitive Measures Unlikely to Deter Putin, Experts Say
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Putin Hails Indonesia as Russia's 'Trusted Friend' in ASEAN
2 jam lalu
Vladimir Putin hailed Indonesia as one of Russia's key partners in the Asia-Pacific region as well as a trusted friend in ASEAN.
Prabowo Apologizes for Missing Russia-ASEAN Summit
2 jam lalu
Prabowo was previously scheduled to go to Russia to attend the Russia-ASEAN Summit held in Kazan on June 17, 2026.
Berlin's Punitive Measures Unlikely to Deter Putin, Experts Say
10 jam lalu
Berlin tightens measures against Russia as Putin vows retaliation, raising fears of further escalation between Germany and Moscow.
EU Summons Russian Envoy Over Failed Leipzig Drone Attack
20 jam lalu
The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the attempted attack had "all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism."
Today's Top 3 News: Prabowo's Russia Visit, Thailand to Cut Visa-Free Stays
22 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Indonesia Probes Reports of Eight Citizens Serving as Russian Soldiers
1 hari lalu
The government will investigate whether these eight Indonesian citizens knowingly joined the Russian army or were victims of exploitation.
Prabowo Arrives in Russia, Welcomed by Indonesian Students
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto arrives in Vladivostok to attend the Eastern Economic Forum, where he is the main guest of honor.
Prabowo Heads to Russia for 11th Eastern Economic Forum
1 hari lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto heads to Russia to attend the 11th Eastern Economic Forum and meet President Vladimir Putin.
Germany Blames Russia for Attempted Airport Drone Attack
1 hari lalu
The German government said on Tuesday that it held Russia "responsible" for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4.
Moscow Targets Indonesian Tourists With Push for Halal Tourism
1 hari lalu
Moscow is expanding Muslim-friendly tourism facilities as Indonesian visitors rise, but remain below pre-pandemic levels.
