Discussions are underway in Germany regarding the closure of the Russian House in Berlin — Spiegel
The German governing coalition is discussing the possibility of closing the Russian state-run cultural center “Russky Dom” in Berlin. The debate intensified following an incident involving a drone at Leipzig Airport, which German authorities view as a possible part of Russia’s hybrid activities.
According to journalists, although Germany has not yet officially blamed Moscow for the incident at Leipzig Airport, evidence pointing to Moscow’s involvement is mounting, prompting the government to begin discussing possible responses.
Among the proposed solutions, a call for measures against the “Russian House,” which operates on Friedrichstrasse in Berlin, was raised for the first time. Security circles suspect that this institution, despite its stated mission, is involved in espionage, and calls for specific sanctions against it are not new.
Among others who have spoken out in favor of taking action are CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter, SPD politician Steffen Krach, and the Greens’ expert on domestic policy, Konstantin von Notz.
The activities of the “Russian House” are based on two German-Russian agreements. One, dated May 2013, stipulates that Russia leases the premises for 99 years. The other intergovernmental agreement, dated February 2011, provides for the possibility of revising or terminating it every five years. The next such deadline is June 7, 2027.
This same agreement governs the activities of the Goethe-Institut in Moscow and St. Petersburg, so officials in Berlin expect that if such a step is taken, the German centers will also be closed.
In response to a query from journalists, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that discussions regarding the “Russian House” are underway.
“In light of Russia’s actions regarding German cultural missions and organizations, and against the backdrop of Russia’s increasing hybrid activities, the federal government is comprehensively and continuously reviewing the international legal framework governing the activities of ‘Russky Dom.’ This also applies to the agreement mentioned in the question,” the statement said.
A preliminary political decision could be made before the end of August—when federal ministers will hold a retreat at Neuhaus-Berg Castle next week.
This was reported by Spiegel.
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