Spiegel Ausland45 minutes agoPolitics1 min readGermany

Closure of the Goethe Institute in Russia after the drone incident in Leipzig and the end of the Russian House in Berlin

Quick Look

The Goethe Institutes in Russia have to close after the drone incident in Leipzig and the closure of the Russian House in Berlin.
Jens Siegert, who has worked in Moscow for many years, explains how Putin has changed international cultural exchange.

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Why It Matters

The drone incident in Leipzig and the closure of the Russian House in Berlin have led to further tensions between Germany and Russia, which are now affecting cultural institutions.

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This printable was created on September 5th, 2026 and is licensed for personal use only.

Other uses violate copyright

Closure of the Goethe Institute “German cultural work in Russia was actually already dead”

The Goethe Institutes in Russia have to close after the drone incident in Leipzig and the end of the Russian House in Berlin. Jens Siegert was in Moscow for a long time and says how Putin has changed international exchange.

An interview by Ann-Dorit Boy

September 5th, 2026, 4:00 p.m

Open Questions

How long will the closure of the Goethe Institutes in Russia last?
What alternative paths for cultural exchange are being sought?
Are there any official reactions from the Russian government to the closure?

Closure of the Goethe Institute in Russia after the drone incident in Leipzig and the end of the Russian House in Berlin

Quick Look

The Goethe Institutes in Russia have to close after the drone incident in Leipzig and the closure of the Russian House in Berlin.
Jens Siegert, who has worked in Moscow for many years, explains how Putin has changed international cultural exchange.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

The drone incident in Leipzig and the closure of the Russian House in Berlin have led to further tensions between Germany and Russia, which are now affecting cultural institutions.

Font size

This printable was created on September 5th, 2026 and is licensed for personal use only.

Other uses violate copyright

Closure of the Goethe Institute “German cultural work in Russia was actually already dead”

An interview by Ann-Dorit Boy

September 5th, 2026, 4:00 p.m

Open Questions

How long will the closure of the Goethe Institutes in Russia last?
What alternative paths for cultural exchange are being sought?
Are there any official reactions from the Russian government to the closure?

Closure of the Goethe Institute in Russia after the drone incident in Leipzig and the end of the Russian House in Berlin

Quick Look

Why It Matters

Open Questions

Related Topics

Closure of the Goethe Institute in Russia after the drone incident in Leipzig and the end of the Russian House in Berlin

Quick Look

Why It Matters

Open Questions

Related Topics

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