Russia closes German consulate in St Petersburg after drone spat - Reuters

Russia announced on Monday that it will close the German Consulate‑General in St Petersburg, ending the diplomatic mission’s operations in the city. The decision was presented as a direct response to actions taken by the German government earlier this month.

Berlin had moved to shut the Russian consulate in Bonn and also ordered the closure of a Russian cultural centre in the German capital. Russian officials described those steps as unfavourable and said they warranted a reciprocal measure.

The closure of the German consulate follows a recent dispute that involved a drone incident, which had already heightened tensions between the two countries. Russian authorities linked the consular shutdown to that broader “drone spat,” indicating that the diplomatic fallout was part of a series of escalating measures.

The German Foreign Office has not yet provided a detailed comment on the closure, but the move marks the latest development in a series of tit‑for‑tat actions between Moscow and Berlin. Both sides have exchanged statements accusing the other of hostile behaviour.

The German Consulate‑General in St Petersburg will cease its functions according to the timetable set by Russian authorities, and staff are expected to leave the premises in accordance with diplomatic protocols. The closure adds to the growing list of diplomatic withdrawals between the two nations in recent weeks.