CHISINAU: In response to what it perceives as “numerous unfriendly actions,” Moldova has taken a decisive step in ordering the expulsion of 45 Russian diplomats and embassy staff from the country. The move comes as tensions between Moldova and Russia continue to escalate, with the pro-EU government of Moldova condemning Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine and alleging a plot by Russia to overthrow the current Moldovan government.
An investigation carried out by Moldovan media outlets Jurnal TV and The Insider further intensified concerns, revealing the presence of 28 antennas on Russia’s embassy in Chisinau, as well as an adjacent building, potentially raising suspicions of espionage activities.
According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Igor Zaharov, the 45 diplomats and technical staff are required to leave Moldova by August 15th. This decision is seen as a measure to curtail destabilizing efforts within the country, as Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu emphasized during a cabinet meeting.
Moldova to Limit Russia’s Diplomatic Representation
Following the expulsion of the Russian diplomats, the foreign ministry outlined that Russia’s diplomatic representation in Moldova would be limited to 10 diplomatic positions and 15 administrative, technical, and service positions. This move is based on the principle of parity, with the aim of maintaining some level of diplomatic engagement despite the tensions.
The Foreign Ministry issued a statement explaining its decision, citing “numerous unfriendly actions” directed at the Republic of Moldova and attempts to destabilize the internal situation within the country. The Russian Ambassador to Chisinau was summoned on Wednesday to address the situation.
The recent expulsion of 45 diplomats is not the first of its kind. Since the commencement of the war in Ukraine, Moldova had previously expelled two Russian diplomats, underscoring the increasing strains in relations between the two neighboring countries.
Moldova, with a population of 2.6 million, lies between Ukraine and the European Union member state, Romania. As the situation remains tense in the region, Moldova’s pro-European stance and its response to alleged Russian interference have placed it in a complex geopolitical landscape.
