Germany allocates an additional 250 million euros to repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and cultural relations with Russia are strained

The German Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy announced in a statement today, Thursday (September 3, 2026), that Germany intends to contribute an additional amount of 250 million euros to cover the costs of urgent repair work in the energy infrastructure in Ukraine.

The statement said, "This step aims to ensure energy and heating supplies to the population in Ukraine despite the continuing Russian attacks."

The statement quoted German Economy Minister Katharina Reiche as saying: “Energy supplies in particular remain one of the front lines of this war.” Therefore, we support Ukraine in protecting and rebuilding its energy infrastructure, and we call on all international partners to make further efforts.”

Germany intends to provide these funds through the German Reconstruction Credit Bank (KFW), which is owned by the German government.

She added that Germany supports Ukraine in cooperation with the German business sector. The minister, who belongs to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party, the Christian Democrats, explained: “Donations of energy equipment made by German companies have already made it possible to re-supply energy to 1.4 million people. At the same time, we are working to raise private investments for reconstruction.”

The Ministry explained that since the beginning of the war four and a half years ago, the Ukrainian Energy Support Fund has collected about 2.4 billion euros from international donors. With a contribution of 810 million euros to date, Germany is the largest contributing country to the Fund. The Ministry of Economy added that the participation of German supplier companies is actively supported by KFW Bank.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadewohl expressed his regret at Moscow's announcement of the closure of the Goethe Institute's branches in Russia. The minister said in statements to the German News Agency (DPA) today, Thursday, in response to an inquiry on the sidelines of a meeting with his French and Polish counterparts in the city of Weimar in the German state of Thuringia: “Every day, the Goethe-Institut makes an important contribution to fruitful cultural relations and societal exchange between Russia and Germany, despite the extremely difficult circumstances since the start of the Russian war of invasion in Ukraine.”

Vadivul criticized the measure, saying: “Against this background, the measure announced by the Russian Federation now is very regrettable, because it causes more damage to our relations.”

Vadifol, along with his French and Polish counterparts, visited the home of the late German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Weimar. The minister stated that Russia's announced closure of the Goethe Institutes is not justified in particular, because the German government is responding by closing the Russian House in Berlin to an attack clearly attributed to Russia.

Berlin held Moscow responsible for the attempted attack with a drone loaded with explosives on the German Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. The German government announced the day before Tuesday a package of sanctions against Moscow. Russia denies having anything to do with the drone at the airport.

In a related context, the German Foreign Minister criticized that the Russian House had long ceased to be worthy of its name as the so-called “House of Science and Culture,” and said: “I say very clearly: it does not serve culture or science,” adding that Russia must decide the type of relations it wants with Germany.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today, Thursday (September 3, 2026), that the Russian government will close the branches of the Goethe Institute, the international cultural institute affiliated with Germany, throughout the country.

Lavrov explained that this step comes in response to Germany's intention to close the "Russian House" in Berlin, according to the Russian Interfax news agency.

The German government announced the closure of the Russian House, after a drone loaded with explosives was found at Leipzig Airport. Berlin held Moscow responsible for the attempted attack.

The Goethe Institute has its main branch in Russia in the capital, Moscow, in addition to cultural centers in St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. Lavrov said, during his speech at the Eastern Economic Forum in the city of Vladivostok: “Of course, it will be closed after the expulsion of our cultural center from there (from Berlin).” He added that Germany realizes that the step it took against the Russian House means the end of its cultural presence in Russia.

Lavrov said that despite all the tensions with the West due to the war against Ukraine, the institute was able to continue its work. It is noteworthy that the Goethe-Institut is one of the last German institutes that were still operating in Russia. Russia has classified a large number of organizations and institutions as “undesirable,” which means completely preventing them from operating.