Breakaway PMR region amid post-Soviet influence politics
Russia has announced the closure of Goethe-Institut centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, following Germany’s decision to shut a Russian cultural center in Berlin after a drone incident near Leipzig/Halle. Moscow says Berlin’s move ends their shared cultural presence and escalates tensions as the EU considers further sanctions.
Moldova has declared a Russian embassy staffer persona non grata and Russia has summoned Moldova’s ambassador, citing reciprocity. Moldova is expanding its European energy links, including a new 400-kV line to Romania to lessen reliance on Transnistria, as tensions with Moscow intensify and drone incidents continue to raise regional concerns.