CHISINAU, June 6. /TASS/. The Russian diaspora in Moldova will continue its fight to keep the Russian Centre for Science and Culture (Russian House) in Chisinau open, the head of the community, Lyudmila Lashchenova, said during a press conference.

When asked about potential legal action, she said the community will not back down despite the pro-Western government’s plans to close the center.

"We will continue fighting for the Russian House by all available means. This [decision by the Moldovan authorities] affects thousands of people in the republic who participate in cultural events and programs at the Russian House," Lashchenova said.

"We have various courses of action at our disposal, and we are hard at work," she added.

Today, the community expressed strong protest over Chisinau’s initiative to unilaterally terminate the intergovernmental agreement on the establishment and operation of cultural centers and called on parliament to revoke this decision. Earlier, the termination bill was submitted for approval to the legislative body, controlled by the ruling Action and Solidarity Party. Mikhail Sidorov, deputy chairman of the Russian community’s board, believes the Moldovan authorities’ decision will escalate tensions. "Interethnic instability is practically guaranteed because a certain part of society will be provoked into anti-Russian sentiments, the media is already fueling this and will continue to do so," Sidorov said.

In February this year, the Moldovan Foreign Ministry announced the termination of the agreement with Russia concerning the operation of cultural centers, holding Moscow accountable for the crash of several drones within the republic. This news sparked protests by Russian compatriots in Chisinau. Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov called the accusations related to the downing of the drones unfounded, stating that Moscow has no interest in worsening relations.

Relations between the two states began to deteriorate in 2021, when pro-European forces assumed power in Moldova. In 2023, Chisinau expelled dozens of Russian diplomats, and only one employee remained at the Russian Cultural Center. The embassy downsizing has significantly complicated consular services for Moldovan residents.