Moldova’s government, a fierce critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has ordered the closure of a Russian cultural centre in the country. The Russian Centre for Science and Culture, also known as the “Russia House”, had been in operation for over 15 years, serving as a meeting place for dialogue and friendship.
Background
The centre’s closure comes amid heightened tensions between Moldova and Russia. Moldova’s government has accused Russia of trying to subvert its government, while Russia has accused Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, of stirring up anti-Russian sentiment.
The Russian embassy in Moldova expressed hope that the closure of the centre would not cease interest in Russian language, literature, culture, and education. Some of the centre’s functions will be transferred to the embassy’s cultural department.
Moldova’s relations with Russia have been strained since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The country has been seeking to join the European Union and has received support from the EU and other Western countries.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
