Closing Russian House would disrupt Kremlin spy networks, Ukrainian FM says
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russian network of cultural centers—Rossotrudnichestvo and Russian Houses—should be completely closed due to the threat of disinformation, destabilization, and espionage, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Threat to national security
The foreign minister stressed that the cognitive dimension of modern warfare must not be underestimated, as Russia is waging a global battle for people's minds. To this end, it uses an extensive network of tools, including the so-called Russian Houses.
"They in fact serve as tools for disinformation, destabilization, and espionage. Our shared European home is not the place for Russian Houses promoting war propaganda and actively working to shatter peace in Europe," the diplomat emphasized.
Ukraine has already officially appealed to governments worldwide to recognize the national security threat posed by this network and has provided arguments for shutting the centers down completely.
Where propaganda centers still operate
Minister Sybiha welcomed the decision by authorities in Berlin, Germany, to close the Russian House. At the same time, he noted that the network continues to operate in many other parts of the world:
- In at least seven European countries, these centers are still operating
- In several countries, the official infrastructure remains completely untouched or integrated into Russian diplomatic structures
- Even larger scale of activity is seen in Africa, Central and East Asia, the Asia-Pacific region and South America.
Ukraine's response to international developments
As reported, Ukraine has recently stepped up its diplomatic efforts on the international stage and welcomed increased sanctions pressure on Russia.
In particular, in September 2026, Ukraine welcomed US President Donald Trump's signing of "hellish sanctions" against Russia. The Foreign Ministry called the move a historic day and stressed that the restrictions would only increase international pressure on Moscow.
In addition, Ukraine said it was ready to join new diplomatic initiatives by Washington.
In particular, Ukraine supported a new US proposal for an energy truce with the Russian Federation. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Kyiv would work on implementing the peace proposals.
