The Russian government said it would limit the presence of employees of German diplomacy and cultural institutions in Russia to 350. Berlin will close three consulates in Russia, but will keep the embassy in Moscow and the consulate in St.
Petersburg. "The measure desired by Moscow will see a reciprocal move" and Russia will also have to limit its presence in Germany, with the closure of several consulates, the German Foreign Ministry said. The Russian government called the request "a step further escalation" compared to the expulsion of diplomats in the past.