Russia Closes German Consulate in St. Petersburg Following Drone Incident in Leipzig

POLICY WIRE — Moscow, Russia — Russia has shut down the German consulate in St. Petersburg, marking another escalation in diplomatic tensions following an alleged drone attack at Leipzig/Halle...

Editorial Desk

September 7, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Moscow, Russia — Russia has shut down the German consulate in St. Petersburg, marking another escalation in diplomatic tensions following an alleged drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany.

The move comes days after German authorities reported the discovery of an explosives-laden drone near a Ukrainian aircraft at the airport on August 4. The device was later neutralized without incident.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated that the German consulate must cease operations and its staff must leave the country by September 18. The decision follows earlier announcements to close Russian cultural centers in Moscow and St. Petersburg, with employees required to vacate by Sunday.

The ministry framed the closures as retaliation for Germany’s recent decision to shutter the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin. It accused German officials of provoking further conflict, stating that all responsibility for the consequences lies with the German government.

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German officials have blamed Russia for the drone incident, which occurred at a key logistics hub supporting Ukraine. However, Moscow has denied any involvement, calling the event a provocation aimed at escalating tensions.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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