Shea Levin — text status

Germany’s Consulate General in St. Petersburg has closed after more than 50 years of operations, with the German flag and national emblem removed from the building on Thursday. The consulate had operated in the Russian city since 1972. Russia ordered the closure in retaliation for Berlin’s decision to shut Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. Germany’s Embassy in Moscow will now handle the St. Petersburg consulate’s responsibilities.