Russia ordered the closure of all Goethe institutes in its territory, as a direct response to the sanctions imposed by Germany. The measure was taken after the German government had applied sanctions against the Russian country.
According to reports from the German press, Chancellor Olaf Scholz wanted to act sooner against Russia after the explosive drone attacks in Leipzig, a city located in eastern Germany. The incidents would have accelerated the pressure for a firmer response from Berlin.
The Russian response to German sanctions was immediate, with the order to close the cultural institutes. The Goethe-Institut is a German cultural institution responsible for promoting the German language and culture abroad, with representation in several countries.
This episode represents another chapter in the diplomatic tensions between Russia and Germany, which have intensified since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. The closure of the institutes affects German cultural and educational activities in Russia.
