The Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin denies espionage allegations. However, a 1968 KGB manual reveals Moscow's decades-long practice of using cultural institutions abroad as a cover for intelligence activities, including recruiting agents and undermining opposition. The Russian government agency Rossotrudnichestvo, operating the Russian House and subject to EU sanctions since 2022, is implicated in this legacy. Experts confirm that Russian intelligence historically used such cultural fronts for infiltration and propaganda, a practice that has likely intensified after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent diplomatic expulsions across Europe. Political voices in Germany are calling for the termination of bilateral cultural agreements with Russia that enable these operations.

The Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin denies espionage allegations. However, a 1968 KGB manual reveals Moscow's decades-long practice of using cultural institutions abroad as a cover for intelligence activities, including recruiting agents and undermining opposition. The Russian government agency Rossotrudnichestvo, operating the Russian House and subject to EU sanctions since 2022, is implicated in this legacy. Experts confirm that Russian intelligence historically used such cultural fronts for infiltration and propaganda, a practice that has likely intensified after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent diplomatic expulsions across Europe. Political voices in Germany are calling for the termination of bilateral cultural agreements with Russia that enable these operations.