Moldova shuts down Russian cultural centre in retaliation for drone attacks

Moldova's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the termination of an agreement with Russia regarding the operation of cultural centres, citing Moscow’s responsibility for the recent crash of several drones on Moldovan territory.

The ministry published a statement outlining the decision, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"In response to these provocations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to unilaterally denounce the Moldovan-Russian intergovernmental agreement on the establishment and operation of cultural centres, signed in 1998. Upon the completion of the termination procedure, the Russian Cultural Centre will cease its activities in our country," the statement reads.

In Azerbaijan, a similar development took place recently. Thus, the Russian Information and Cultural Center (Russian House) in Baku has ceased its operations, with all activities and materials removed from its premises in the capital. 

The building’s signboard has been completely taken down, and interior decorations, including paintings, posters, and souvenirs, have been cleared. The mobile exhibition has also been dismantled.

This follows reports of the Russian House failing to register as a legal entity and committing serious violations of Azerbaijani law.

As a result, the Azerbaijani authorities issued a note to the Russian side on February 3, notifying them of the termination of the Russian House’s activities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that such organizations must comply with national laws and bilateral agreements, and the Russian authorities are expected to respond accordingly.

By Aghakazim Guliyev