Russian special flight arrives in Germany to repatriate consulate staff

A Russian special flight has arrived at Cologne/Bonn Airport in Germany to pick up diplomatic staff from the Russian Consulate General in Bonn, according to the German Foreign Ministry.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kathrin Deschauer confirmed the flight’s arrival during a briefing, responding to questions from German journalists about reports that a Russian aircraft had landed in the country, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

“The Russian special flight has the necessary authorisation,” Deschauer said, adding that the flight was connected to the departure of staff from the Russian Consulate General in Bonn. She did not disclose how many diplomats were leaving Germany.

The flight comes amid a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between Germany and Russia.

On September 1, the German government formally attributed a drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport earlier in August to Russia. Berlin subsequently announced the suspension of operations at the Russian House in Berlin and the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn, along with additional measures.

Under the German government’s decision, staff at the Bonn consulate were required to leave Germany by September 18. Berlin also rejected a proposal to transfer the affected diplomatic personnel to the Russian Embassy in Berlin.

By Sabina Mammadli