Moldova Moves to revoke Cultural Agreement with Russia Amid Strained Relations

On Wednesday, Moldova authorized legislation aimed at terminating a 1998 agreement with Russia pertaining to cultural centers, amid worsening relations stemming from Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine.

In February, Moldova’s Foreign Ministry announced its intention to initiate the closure of the Russian Center for Science and Culture, which was established in Chișinău in 2009, following an incident involving a drone.

The Moldovan cabinet issued a statement indicating that the center is financed by Rossotrudnichestvo, a Russian state-sponsored agency for cultural diplomacy that is under sanctions from the European Union.

The government emphasized that Moldova lacks its own cultural center in Russia.

Moldovan Culture Minister Cristian Jardan remarked, «The Russian Cultural Center was not focused on promoting culture; it aimed at undermining Moldova’s sovereignty.»

Moldova has consistently accused Russia of efforts to destabilize the nation of 2.6 million, led by pro-European Union President Maia Sandu.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both Kyiv and Chișinău submitted applications to join the European Union.

The proposed legislation to annul the agreement will be forwarded to the Moldovan parliament.

In response, the Kremlin condemned the decision, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claiming that Moldova is «rejecting everything associated with our country, to the detriment of a substantial, if not larger, segment of its populace.»

Peskov expressed regret during a routine press briefing, stating, «We can only express our sorrow.»