Russia’s ambassador to Germany, Sergey Nechaev, said Berlin is winding down the remaining formats of bilateral cooperation. He gave his assessment in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Nechaev linked the deterioration in relations to the German government’s policy after it proclaimed a Zeitenwende, or “turning point.” He accused Berlin of using allegations against Moscow as a pretext to close Russian institutions. These statements reflect the Russian ambassador’s position.
On Sept. 1, Germany’s Foreign Ministry said Russia’s general consulate in Bonn would have to close on Sept. 18 and that an agreement allowing the Russian House in Berlin to operate would be terminated. Berlin described the measures as a response to restrictions on German missions in Russia. Moscow later ordered the closure of Germany’s consulate in St. Petersburg.
Nechaev also said German leaders speak openly about preparing for a possible military confrontation with Russia. That is the ambassador’s assessment, not a confirmed description of Germany’s plans. German authorities presented the consulate closure and the end of the agreement as retaliatory measures.
The exchange of restrictions affected institutions and diplomatic missions in both countries. Each side publicly justified its actions by citing earlier steps by the other, as official contacts continued to contract.