The Russian community in Moldova believes that the closure of the Russian Center of Science and Culture in Chisinau would be unfounded and would lead to a worsening of relations with the Russian Federation. According to the community, the institution has been organizing cultural, scientific, and historical events for many years. In addition, it carries out bilateral projects with Russia, including in the field of education, which will be terminated with its closure, IPN reports.
At a press conference, the Russian community in Moldova expresses its disagreement with this decision, requesting that the authorities reconsider closing the center.
The President of the Russian Community, Liudmila Lasceonova, mentioned that by closing the center, the authorities in Moldova not only violate domestic legislation, but also the rights of ethnic minorities, depriving them of the opportunity to participate in free activities and bilateral programs.
The Minister of Culture, Sergiu Prodan, declared in February of this year, that the agreement with Russia regarding the functioning of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Chisinau is outdated and that there are international procedures that need to be respected, but terminating the document is not urgent. “Amending it is a very long process, with risks of delays and stalling”, declared Minister Prodan at the time.
At that time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popsoi, specified that after passing through the Government, the project will be proposed to Parliament, and after the termination is adopted, the Russian side will be officially notified. Until then, the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Chisinau continues to operate.
The decision to denounce the agreement comes in the context of repeated violations of the airspace of the Republic of Moldova. Following a massive attack on the Ukrainian port of Reni on February 16, a number of drones crossed Moldova’s territory. A drone fell on an agricultural field near Ciumai village in Taraclia district, and another one exploded in a field near Ceadir-Lunga.
The agreement with Russia dates back to 1998. It has no deadline and is automatically extended every five years unless the parties decide otherwise. The next extension should take place in mid-2026.
