Russian house in Moldova closes as bilateral tensions persist

The Russian House cultural centre in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, officially ceased operations on July 4, with its activities set to continue through the Russian Embassy, Igor Chaika, head of Russia's federal agency for international humanitarian cooperation, Rossotrudnichestvo said.

Chaika said a representative of the Russian House will continue working from the Russian Embassy in Moldova, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media. 

Rossotrudnichestvo said it will maintain work related to its presence in Moldova, including selecting foreign students for Russian government-funded university scholarships and implementing international humanitarian and cultural cooperation projects.

The closure follows a decision by Moldovan authorities in December 2025 to shut down the Russian House in Chisinau, describing the institution as an instrument of Russian influence.

At the time, the Russian Embassy in Moldova criticised the decision, warning that it would have a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries.

By Sabina Mammadli