Moldova Terminates 1998 Agreement, Blocks Russian Propaganda Channel in Capital

Moldova Closes Russian Cultural Center in Latest Move to Counter Kremlin Influence

Moldova’s government officially approved the closure of the Russian Cultural Center in Chișinău, known as the “Russian House,” on November 5, marking another significant step in the country’s efforts to distance itself from Russian influence.

The decision follows the termination of a bilateral agreement with Russia regarding the establishment and operation of cultural centers in Moldova. Officials cited national security concerns and the center’s role in spreading Kremlin propaganda rather than genuine cultural exchange.

“This center was not truly cultural under its cover; activities were conducted that undermined Moldova’s sovereignty,” explained Culture Minister Cristian Jardan, who characterized the facility as an outpost of Kremlin influence rather than a legitimate cultural institution.

The Russian center, established in 2009 under the management of the Russian embassy, had been organizing what it called “educational” events, children’s competitions, and youth meetings. However, Moldovan officials determined these activities were primarily designed to promote Moscow’s political narratives.

In October, the center hosted a memorial evening for Russian propagandist Tigran Keosayan, who openly supported Russia’s war against Ukraine and was under sanctions by Ukraine, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada—further confirming suspicions about the center’s political agenda.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popșoi described the closure as a deliberate political move aimed at protecting Moldova’s national security. The decision gained urgency following incidents involving Russian drones in southern Moldova, specifically in the Gagauzia and Taraclia regions, highlighting the tangible security threats the country faces.

Though the parliamentary committee on foreign policy had supported ending the 1998 agreement with Moscow back in May, the “Russian House” had continued operating and hosting events with participants from the Russia-backed Transnistrian region—a breakaway territory within Moldova that maintains close ties with the Kremlin.

The closure represents a broader trend in Moldova’s foreign policy under President Maia Sandu’s pro-European government, which has increasingly aligned the country with the European Union while reducing Russian influence. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moldova has accelerated its European integration efforts, obtaining EU candidate status in June 2022.

The small Eastern European nation, sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, has long been caught in a geopolitical tug-of-war between Russia and the West. With a significant portion of its population Russian-speaking and the unresolved Transnistrian conflict within its borders, Moldova has faced persistent Russian interference in its internal affairs through various channels, including media, economic pressure, and cultural institutions.

This latest move follows similar actions taken by other Eastern European countries that have closed Russian cultural centers in response to Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine and increased hostile activities across the region.

The Moldovan government emphasized that terminating the agreement would not have economic or legal consequences for the country. Instead, it sends a clear message about Chișinău’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and pursuing its European aspirations despite ongoing pressure from Moscow.

Analysts note that this decision reflects Moldova’s growing confidence in asserting its independence in foreign and security policy matters, despite its vulnerable position as a small nation with significant economic and energy dependencies on Russia and its neighbors.