The establishment of polling stations for the Russian presidential election on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, anywhere outside the embassy, was banned, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi. According to him, any attempt by Russia to establish polling stations elsewhere than inside the embassy will be stopped, IPN reports.

Mihai Popșoi noted that Moldova prohibits the opening of polling stations for the Russian presidential election, except for the one inside the diplomatic mission. The decision comes after 30 polling stations were opened in Moldova in 2021, for the Russian State Duma elections, of which 27 on the left bank of the Nistru.

“We banned holding elections anywhere outside the diplomatic mission. According to the Vienna Convention, it is difficult to take action that would hinder the work of a diplomatic mission. If they try to organize this election anywhere else, this will be extremely counterproductive,” Mihai Popșoi stated in the program “Emphasis on Today” on TVR Moldova channel.

Asked how Chisinau will act if Moscow insists on the establishment of polling stations in the Transnistrian region, the official said that such an action will be counteracted.

“I cannot disclose all the measures we will apply. I can only say that the Republic of Moldova is now more resilient than ever. We will make effort to counteract actions that are detrimental to the sovereign decision announced and agreed with the Republic of Moldova,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Russia’s presidential election will be held on March 17. Incumbent president Vladimir Putin announced his intention to run for his fifth term of office.