Story highlights Putin aide: US move to close Russian facilities is designed to escalate tensions

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(CNN) Russia handed a senior US diplomat in Moscow a strongly worded note of protest Saturday, the same day US officials had vowed to shutter three Russian diplomatic facilities in the United States amid escalating tensions.

The US deputy chief of mission in Moscow was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry and given a note of protest "in connection with the intention of the US authorities to search the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in Washington," the ministry said in an online statement.

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The Foreign Ministry note vehemently protested what it called an "Illegitimate search without the presence of Russian officials" and cited what it said is an unprecedented, aggressive "threat to break the front door." The note also said that "US Special Services" could use this action to organize an anti-Russian provocation by planting "compromising objects."

"The US authorities must stop the gross violations of international law and breaching the immunity of Russia's diplomatic institutions. Otherwise, we reserve the right to reciprocate on mutual basis," the note said.

The State Department announced Thursday that it would close the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco as well as annexes in Washington and New York in response to forced staff cuts at the US mission in Russia.

The department denied the accusations by the Russian government, including that US officials threatened to break down doors.