Lavrov announces closure of Goethe Institute branches in Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on Thursday that branches of Germany's Goethe Institute will be shut down in Russia.

The Goethe Institute is a German state-funded cultural organization operating in many countries around the world, promoting the German language and culture. Lavrov's statement did not include further details on the reasons behind the closure or a timeline for it.

The announcement comes amid long-strained relations between Russia and Germany. The source report does not specify the direct cause behind the decision.