The Russian consulate in Bonn will be closed not only because of Russia’s attempted sabotage at Leipzig Airport, but also because of intelligence activity.
According to Bild, between 15 and 20 agents from Russia’s SVR, FSB and GRU intelligence services were working at the mission under the cover of diplomatic posts, Ukrinform reports "Ukrinform".
European diplomats consider the Russian mission to be a hub supporting hybrid operations. Campaigns run from there were directed against the Benelux countries, EU institutions and NATO headquarters in Belgium.
As a result, the closure of the consulate was not merely a symbolic response to the drone attack in Leipzig, but also the neutralisation of a Russian intelligence outpost, the newspaper concluded.
- 1 September Germany officially accused Russia of a hybrid attack in Leipzig. In response to Moscow’s actions, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced the closure of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn and the “Russian House” in Berlin, which is officially a cultural centre but is regarded as a hub of Russian espionage.
- After that, the only Russian diplomatic mission in Germany will be the embassy in Berlin.
- Later, a decision emerged by the Russian authorities to close the Goethe-Institut in Moscow.