Russia closes Goethe Institutes in response to the closure of its cultural center in Berlin

Russia announced the closure of the Goethe Institutes in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Ekaterinburg in response to the closure of the Russian House in Berlin. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov linked the two decisions, stating that Berlin's action was based on unverified assumptions. The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned an attempt to undermine bilateral relations and mentioned reciprocal measures, including the closure of the German consulate in Saint Petersburg.