Key facts
- Germany is considering terminating its agreement with Moscow concerning the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin.
- The potential closure is linked to recent drone disruptions at Leipzig airport, which Germany suspects were orchestrated by Russia.
- The Russian House is suspected of facilitating espionage and operating despite sanctions.
- German lawmakers have expressed concern over the cultural center's location near government buildings.
- The German Foreign Ministry is reviewing the legal basis for the Russian House's operation.
The German government is contemplating the termination of an agreement that permits the Russian House of Science and Culture to operate in Berlin, according to reports from Der Spiegel. This consideration arises in the wake of drone disruptions at Leipzig airport earlier in August, which German officials suspect were orchestrated by Russia as part of a 'hybrid attack scenario'.
Despite Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian cultural center has maintained its presence on Friedrichstrasse, a prominent Berlin street near the German parliament. Similar Russian centers globally are believed to be functioning despite sanctions and are suspected of engaging in espionage activities.
Concerns have been voiced by German lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter regarding the close proximity of a German Digital Ministry facility to the Russian House. Historically, Germany has been hesitant to close the center due to expectations of reciprocal action against its Goethe Institute in Russia. However, the German Foreign Ministry has indicated that the government is 'comprehensively and continuously reviewing the foundations of the Russian House under international treaty law,' suggesting a potential shift in policy. Der Spiegel anticipates a preliminary decision on the matter could be made as early as the following week.