Russia has closed Germany's consulate in Saint Petersburg

The German Consulate General in Saint Petersburg has ceased operations after more than 50 years of activity, following a decision adopted by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The closure comes amid reciprocal measures taken by Russia and Germany against the other country’s diplomatic and cultural missions.

According to NEXTA, Germany’s coat of arms, as well as the flags of Germany and the European Union, were removed from the consulate building.

Russian authorities justified the decision as a retaliatory measure following Germany’s closure of the Consulate General of Russia in Bonn and the Russian Cultural Center in Berlin.

Under Moscow’s decision, German consuls must leave Russian territory by September 18. The measure marks a further deterioration in relations between the two states and further reduces Germany’s diplomatic presence in Russia. The consulate in Saint Petersburg had operated for more than five decades before its closure.