Russian Embassy denies role in protests

The Russian Embassy in Tirana denied claims that Moscow is involved in ongoing protests in Albania, calling the accusations “completely baseless.”

The statement responded to comments by Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja and Socialist parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla, who had referred to possible Kremlin involvement in the protests.

The embassy said Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other states and works with legally elected governments.

It also accused Albanian politicians of repeatedly trying to promote claims of “malign Russian influence” without evidence. The embassy called for more responsible public statements and said politicians should stop “looking for enemies where none exist.”