Ukraine Urges Countries to Close ‘Russian House’ Centers, Citing Disinformation, Destabilization and Espionage

He singled out Rossotrudnichestvo, the Russian government agency that operates the so-called “Russian Houses” abroad, saying Moscow is using cultural institutions to influence public opinion and spread its influence beyond its borders.

Sybiha stressed that “the cognitive domain of modern warfare should not be underestimated,” adding that Russia is waging a global battle for public opinion through a network of organizations and communication channels. “Our common European home is no place for ‘Russian houses’ that promote war propaganda,” he said.

Kyiv has sent partner governments detailed arguments for restricting or closing these centers, while “Russian Houses” continue to operate in at least seven European countries, in addition to a broader network in Africa, Asia and South America.

The call comes in a tense context: Germany closed the “Russian House” in Berlin after the exploding-drone incident at Leipzig/Halle airport in August, which Berlin attributes to Russia. The German government officially blamed Russia on September 1, closed the Russian consulate general in Bonn and terminated the agreement for the operation of the “Russian House” in Berlin. Moscow denied involvement and retaliated by closing the German consulate in Saint Petersburg and the Goethe institutes. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the incident a “Russian hybrid attack.”

Meanwhile, Rossotrudnichestvo announced in early September that it plans to open 11 more “Russian Houses” abroad, eight of them in Africa.

Source: The Kyiv Independent