Russia orders the closure of Germany’s consulate general in St Petersburg, escalating a tit-for-tat diplomatic dispute. The move comes after Germany previously shut a Russian consulate and ended related premises over a separate incident involving an alleged drone attack attempt.
The dispute centers on Germany’s accusation that Russia was behind a failed drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August. Sources describe Moscow’s response as retaliation for actions by German authorities, including Germany’s closure of Russia’s consulate in Bonn and termination of Russia House of Science and Culture in Berlin.
Outlets largely agree on the cause and sequence: the drone allegation triggers Germany’s measures, and Russia responds by closing the German consulate in St Petersburg. Coverage varies mainly in emphasis—some highlight the drone allegation first, while others stress the broader diplomatic freeze and the reciprocal nature of the closures.
