The seizure of Russian diplomatic assets in the United States by US Special Services is a gross violation of international law, and Moscow is ready to respond to Washington's actions, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement released Tuesday.

"Despite our warnings, the U.S. authorities did not listen to reason and did not give up their illegal intentions. Today they have completely seized all facilities of the Consulate General of Russia in San Francisco," the Foreign Ministry said in the statement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia asserts that US Special Services have seized five pieces of Russian property since December of last year, and conducted searches in them. At the same time, the ministry emphasizes that Moscow has never given consent to the lifting of immunity from the diplomatic mission facilities.

"No one invited the American agents who are currently located there. They are invaders. Their actions are an unprecedented high-handedness in the history of bilateral relations," the statement stresses.

As noted by the Ministry, Moscow expresses strong protest to such actions and reserves the right to respond. "The Americans ... have de facto agreed that their missions in Russia may be treated likewise," the ministry spokesman said.

Earlier, the US State Department confirmed a "walkthrough" of the Russian consulate in San Francisco.

  Russia, diplomatic property, USA, Consulate General

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