Moldova protests unsanctioned Russian polling stations, embassy attacked

A 54-year-old man threw two Molotov cocktails onto the premises of the Russian embassy in Chisinau during Russia's presidential elections. The police detained him. Additionally, Transnistria witnessed a serious violation of international law as polling stations were opened there despite a ban.

The Russian presidential elections reached their final day on Sunday. Police reports confirm that a 54-year-old Moldovan citizen, who also claims to hold Russian citizenship (this has yet to be verified by the police), managed to hurl two Molotov cocktails onto the embassy grounds. He cited his dissatisfaction with Russian government policies as the motive behind his actions.

Quoted by Moldovan media, the Russian Embassy in Chisinau has demanded a "fair and strict punishment" for the perpetrator, highlighting that the elections proceeded "despite provocations".

Moldova authorized the opening of a single polling station - located within the Russian embassy in Chisinau.

"Contrary to the Moldovan authorities' ban, additional polling stations sprang up on the left bank of the Dniester River (in territories beyond Chisinau's control) - detailed a report from the Newsmaker portal, listing locations in Tiraspol, Bender, Rybnitsa, and Grigoriopol."

The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has vehemently protested these unsanctioned electoral activities by Russia within Moldova's sovereign territory on the Dniester's left bank, labeling them as a "serious breach of international law norms." They call upon the international community for support to uphold principle-based order and to condemn Russia's actions.

Through its embassy, Russia had planned to open six polling stations in the separatist region of Transnistria. Moldova, however, only approved the setting up of one station at the Russian embassy in Chisinau, highlighting Moscow's actions as undermining Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Consequently, the Russian ambassador to Moldova was summoned to the Foreign Ministry on March 12.

According to Reuters, during the 2021 parliamentary elections in Russia, 21 polling stations were established in Transnistria without Moldova's consent.

The "elections" for Russia's president, in which Vladimir Putin is widely expected to secure another term, are taking place from Friday to Sunday. Opposition candidates were barred from participation. Russian citizens in Moldova cast their votes on Sunday.