Russia announced that it would close all German Goethe-Institut cultural centers throughout the country in retaliation for Germany closing the Russian House cultural center in Berlin earlier this week. That closure happened after Germany deemed Russia responsible for an explosive-laden drone and detonator discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport. It is believed that Moscow was planning to use the device to target Ukrainian transport aircraft that arrive and depart there. Germany also closed the Russian Consulate in Bonn.The Goethe-Institut is Germany’s preeminent cultural institute with locations throughout the world. The organization’s primary goal is to “facilitate international cultural exchange, promote access to the German language and support the unimpeded development of culture and science.” There are 154 Goethe-Institutes in 100 countries, including Russia. The Goethe-Institut promotes “knowledge of the German language, cultivates international cultural cooperation, and provides information about cultural, social, and political life in Germany.”
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