Russia shuts Goethe Institute branches in retaliation for German sabotage accusations

Moscow announced closure of Goethe Institute branches in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg, retaliating against Berlin's accusations of Russian sabotage at Leipzig airport. This escalates bilateral tensions, signaling a further breakdown in cultural and diplomatic ties. The move follows a pattern of reciprocal expulsions and closures, but marks a notable expansion into cultural institutions.