Moldova closes Russian cultural center citing security threats

Moldova's government has ordered the closure of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, a move that took effect on Saturday after more than 15 years of operation. The pro-European government, a strong critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stated that the center served as an instrument to promote narratives perceived as a threat to Moldova's security. Parliament endorsed this decision.

The Russian embassy expressed regret over the closure, noting that the center had functioned as a meeting place for dialogue and friendship, and hoped that interest in Russian language, literature, culture, and education would persist. The embassy indicated that some of the center's activities would be relocated to its cultural department.

Relations between Moldova and Russia have been significantly strained, exacerbated by Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and reported instances of Russian drones violating Moldovan airspace. President Maia Sandu has accused Russia of attempting to destabilize her government, while Russia contends that Sandu has fueled anti-Russian sentiment.

In a separate development, officials in the pro-Russian separatist region of Transdniestria proposed establishing an alternative Russian cultural center. However, Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Valeriu Chiveri stated that such a move would require a new agreement with Russia.