The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that it is closing Germany's consulate in St. Petersburg.
The German consulate in St. Petersburg must cease its operations by September 18 at the latest, according to the Foreign Ministry.
"It was the German authorities who, once again, provoked a new round of escalation in bilateral relations," the Foreign Ministry said, adding Berlin "bears full and complete responsibility" for the consequences.
Russia also earlier ordered the closure of all Goethe-Institut branches on Russian territory, with Goethe-Institut staff having to leave the country by September 13.
Goethe-Institut is a center that promotes German language and culture. Goethe-Institut is largely financed by the German government.
