Moldova Protests Russia's Plan to Open Polling Stations in Transnistria

Moldova's Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov and handed a protest note over Moscow's plan to open 16 polling stations in the breakaway Transnistrian region for the September 18-20 Russian legislative elections. This escalates bilateral tensions, as Chisinau views the move as a challenge to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The outcome depends on Russia's response and whether it proceeds with the stations, which could further strain Moldova-EU relations.