According to the Foreign Ministry, the decision will take effect six months after the official notification. Therefore, the agreement under which the “Russian Cultural Centre” operates will cease to be valid on 4 July 2026.
The ministry noted that the agreement was signed on 30 October 1998 and entered into force on 4 July 2001. It was initially concluded for five years and has been automatically extended for additional five-year periods since.
On 5 November, the government decided to terminate the agreement with Russia, which means the Russian House in Chisinau will be closed. Culture Minister Cristian Jardan stated that this centre “does not represent Russian culture but Russian aggression,” as quoted by Moldovan outlet NewsMaker.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called Chisinau’s decision to close the Russian House an “anti-Russian initiative.”
Issues with Russian ambassador in Moldova
Moldova is delaying the accreditation of the Russian ambassador in Chisinau due to behaviour deemed inconsistent with diplomatic norms.
Acting Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi explained that the Russian diplomat has already been acting as if he had full authority, despite not having officially presented his credentials and therefore working in a limited capacity.
He also emphasized that relations between Moldova and Russia have become strained due to Moscow’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The foreign minister stressed that the country seeks constructive relations with all states but cannot ignore the tragedies unfolding next door. He expressed hope that peace will return to the region and that Russia will once again respect its international obligations and international law.