The Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin, which officially promotes cultural exchange, is described by French authorities as a cover for Russian intelligence services, according to documents held by WDR and Süddeutsche Zeitung.
The institution is operated by Rossotrudnichestvo, a Russian government agency under the Moscow Foreign Ministry. Rossotrudnichestvo has been sanctioned by the European Union since 2022 due to the war against Ukraine.
The French Interior Ministry stated that the Russian House in Berlin is used as a cover by Russian intelligence services.
Legal and financial restrictions
Due to EU sanctions, the Russian House in Berlin faces restrictions on accessing funds and requires approval from the German central bank for transfers. The German central bank requires proof of how funds are used, such as for utility bills.
The operators of the Russian House in Berlin unsuccessfully sued against these financial restrictions in 2023.
Germany continues funding the Russian House in Berlin to fulfill a legal obligation under a 2011 German-Russian cultural agreement. This agreement, which also governs the Goethe-Institut in Moscow, has a 99-year term and cannot be unilaterally terminated.
