The Russian House in Chisinau is closing
The Russian state cultural center “Russky Dom” in Chisinau has officially ceased operations. The Russian Embassy stated that this was due to a decision by the Moldovan authorities, and that some of the center’s functions will now be carried out by the cultural department of the Russian diplomatic mission.
Following the center’s closure, the Moldovan government also highlighted the risks associated with study programs in Russia that “Russky Dom” had previously promoted. The country’s authorities emphasize that under current conditions, such trips could have dangerous consequences.
The Russian state cultural center “Russian House” in Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, has officially ceased operations. The Russian Embassy in Moldova announced this on July 4. The diplomatic mission stated that the center is closing due to a decision by the Moldovan authorities. It also reported that some of its functions will now be carried out by the cultural department of the Russian Embassy.
The Russian side’s statement notes that for many years, the center served as a venue for cultural events and meetings. “It is with great regret that we must announce that, due to a decision by the Moldovan government, the Russian Center for Science and Culture (‘Russian House’) in Chisinau is ceasing operations. For many years, our center has been a place of meetings, dialogue, and friendship,” the Russian Embassy noted.
The diplomatic mission also stated that the center’s activities allegedly met the needs of a segment of Moldova’s citizens. “No restrictions or pressure tactics will diminish the immense interest in Russian culture, which has always served the cause of peace, mutual understanding, and the spiritual enrichment of peoples,” the statement reads. The embassy urged anyone who has further questions regarding humanitarian or educational cooperation with Russia to contact the diplomatic mission’s cultural department directly.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the unrecognized region of Transnistria announced its readiness to host the “Russian House” on its territory following its closure in Chisinau. They explained this decision by their desire, in their words, “to preserve the presence of Russian culture.” However, the Moldovan government emphasized that the authorities of the unrecognized region have no legal authority to make such decisions.
In addition, officials in Chisinau drew attention to another important circumstance. According to Moldovan authorities, citizens of the country were invited to study in Russia through the “Russian House.” Under current conditions, the government notes, such programs may pose additional risks. In particular, the Moldovan side warns that people who go to study in Russia may face the risk of being conscripted into the Russian army and subsequently sent to fight in the war against Ukraine. That is why the Moldovan authorities consider such programs potentially dangerous and urge citizens to carefully assess the possible consequences of such offers. This was reported by Newsmaker.
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