Molotov attack on Russian embassy in election tension, Moldova claims
A 54-year-old threw two Molotov cocktails onto the premises of the Russian embassy in Chisinau during the presidential elections in Russia. The man was detained by the police. Additionally, in Transnistria, a region not controlled by the Moldovan authorities, polling stations were opened contrary to the ban, marking a serious violation of international law.
Sunday marks the third and final day of the Russian presidential elections. According to police reports, the individual managed to throw two Molotov cocktails onto the grounds of the embassy in Chisinau.
The 54-year-old, a Moldovan citizen, alleges (though this has not been confirmed by the police) that he also holds Russian citizenship. He cited his dissatisfaction with the policies of the Russian government as the reason for his actions.
The Russian embassy in Chisinau, as reported by the Moldovan media, stated that it "expects fair and strict punishment" for the perpetrator, emphasizing that the elections continued "despite provocations".
Russians violated the ban in Transnistria
The Moldovan government authorized the operation of only one polling station – located at the Russian embassy in Chisinau.
"However, in defiance of the Moldovan government's prohibition, on the left bank of the Dniester River (in areas not overseen by Chisinau) four additional polling stations were set up (in Tiraspol, Bender, Rybnitsa, and Grigoriopol)" – as reported by the Newsmaker portal.
The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing "vehement protest against the unsanctioned electoral activities organised by Russia on Moldova's sovereign territory in the administrative regions along the left bank of the Dniester River".
"This act represents a significant violation of international law norms. We call on the international community to support a principled order and to condemn the actions of the Russian Federation" – the statement read.
Russian presidential elections
Russia had announced via its embassy the plan to open six polling stations within the separatist region of Transnistria. However, Chisinau consented to the opening of only one station at the Russian embassy in Moldova's capital. Moscow's actions were criticised as undermining Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Russian ambassador in Moldova was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chisinau on March 12.
As reported by the Reuters agency, during the parliamentary elections in Russia in 2021, Russians set up 21 polling stations in Transnistria without Chisinau's approval.
From Friday to Sunday, Russia is holding "elections" for president, with Vladimir Putin expected to secure re-election. Opposition candidates were barred from participating. In Moldova, Russian citizens cast their votes on Sunday.
