Russia orders closure of German Consulate in St. Petersburg, expels staff

Moscow, Sept. 7 (SANA) The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Monday that it has revoked its consent for the operation of the German Consulate General in St. Petersburg, ordering a total cessation of its activities and the departure of all personnel from Russian territory. In an official statement reported by RT, the ministry stated that the measures come as a direct response to Berlin's prior decisions to close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and shutdown the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin. All staff members of the German consulate in St. Petersburg are required to leave the Russian Federation no later than Sept. 18. The retaliation also mandates the closure of Goethe-Institut German cultural centers across Russia, with dispatched staff required to depart the country by Sept. 13. Germany announced last Tuesday the closure of Russia's consulate in Bonn by Sept. 18, accusing Moscow of involvement in an attempted drone attack targeting Leipzig Airport in August. Moscow rejected the allegations and warned of firm countermeasures. Kh.A / Mzn Editors Choice