Moscow shuts Goethe-Institut centres in three cities after Berlin closed its Bonn consulate
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced the closure of the Goethe-Institut centres in Moscow, St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, answering Berlin's decision to shut the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the drone attack on Leipzig airport as a new escalation on EU soil directly attributed to Russia. Romania is summoning Russia's ambassador in Bucharest, and Kyiv has offered Berlin help.
Geopolitics··Midday
Lavrov shuts the Goethe-Institut centres in Moscow, St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that the Goethe-Institut centres in Moscow, St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg would be closed, answering Berlin's decision to shut the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the drone attack on Leipzig airport as a new escalation on European Union soil directly attributed to Russia, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance stood in full solidarity with Germany. Russia rejects the accusation that it targeted a Ukrainian cargo plane on 4 August.[1]
Romania summons the Russian ambassador after the Leipzig attack
Romania's interim foreign minister Oana Toiu said Russia's ambassador in Bucharest would be summoned to the ministry after the drone attack on Leipzig airport attributed to Russia, and stressed that Romania stands with Germany and other European countries meeting Russian hybrid activity, having faced similar interference and provocations itself. France, Belgium and the Netherlands also summoned Russian ambassadors, and in a counter-move Germany's chargé d'affaires was called to the Russian foreign ministry. German police identified the DNA of two men holding Russian passports who are suspected of bringing the explosive-laden drone to the airport. The German government formally accused a Russian intelligence service on 1 September, and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt cited clear indications from intelligence services, partner agencies and investigations in Germany and in European partner countries. The Kremlin denies responsibility and accuses Germany of escalating tensions.[2], [1], [3]
Zelensky offers Merz help and discusses the signing timetable
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a phone call on 2 September that Ukraine was ready to help after the attempted attack on Leipzig airport, writing on social media that Kyiv offered expertise, experience and support in other areas and calling the incident another Russian escalation. According to Zelensky the two leaders also discussed a drone deal under preparation, its signing timetable and a new German defence aid package due to reach Ukraine in September. The drones were found on 4 August at Leipzig/Halle Airport, where one collided with a cargo plane and another was reported to have carried explosives aimed at an Antonov cargo plane belonging to a Ukrainian airline stationed there. German officials tied the drones to Russia by comparing their parts and configuration with those the Kremlin used in previous hybrid attacks.[3]
