Ukraine Urges Global Shutdown of “Russian House” Cultural Centers

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced an official appeal to governments worldwide, urging them to recognize the “Russian House” network as a national-security threat and to restrict or fully close these cultural centers. The call follows recent closures in several European capitals, most notably the termination of the Russian House in Berlin.

Ukraine calls for the closure of Russian Houses around the world: Sybiha makes a statement

Sybiha described the Russian House network as part of a broader strategy that includes Rossotrudnichestvo and other tools aimed at influencing public opinion abroad. He framed the “cognitive dimension” of modern warfare as a key element, arguing that the centers serve “disinformation, destabilisation, and espionage” functions. The appeal builds on actions taken by European authorities to curb the network’s activities.

Ukraine calls for Russian Houses to be closed in all countries

In his X post, Sybiha praised European measures that have blocked the network, citing Germany’s recent closure of the Berlin Russian House. He noted that despite these steps, the centers continue to operate in at least seven European countries and have expanded their presence across Africa, Central and East Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, and South America. He also warned that in some states the Russian House is integrated into Russia’s diplomatic infrastructure, complicating closure efforts. Additionally, Ukraine highlighted that Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn will be closed and the agreement concerning the Berlin Russian House will be terminated by September 18.

Ukraine calls for Russian Houses to be closed in all countries Ukraine calls for the closure of Russian Houses around the world: Sybiha makes a statement Ukraine called on all countries: Close “Russian houses”!

• Operational Russian Houses remain in >= 7 European nations.

Ukraine calls for the closure of Russian Houses around the world: Sybiha makes a statement

• The network’s activities are reported as “greater” in Africa, Central and East Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, and South America.

Ukraine called on all countries: Close “Russian houses”!

• Germany’s recent action eliminated the Berlin Russian House after years of operation.

Ukraine calls for Russian Houses to be closed in all countries

• A scheduled diplomatic step: closure of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn and termination of the Berlin agreement by September 18.

Ukraine calls for Russian Houses to be closed in all countries

• “We commend the measures the authorities took across Europe to block these networks including Germany, where Russian House was closed yesterday in Berlin after years of malign influence,” — Andrii Sybiha, ukrainian foreign minister

Ukraine calls for Russian Houses to be closed in all countries