Moldova Expels Russian Diplomat Amid Rising Tensions

Moldova expelled a Russian diplomat and summoned the Russian ambassador after detaining two officials in a spy case linked to the Russian embassy. This marks the latest strain in Moldova-Russia relations as Moldova pursues EU membership and condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Moldova expelled a Russian diplomat and called in the Russian ambassador on Thursday to issue a formal protest after detaining two of its own officials in a spy case linked to the Russian embassy in Chisinau. Moscow vowed to respond to the expulsion, a sign of deteriorating relations with Moldova, which is working to join the European Union by 2030 and condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Moldovan foreign ministry stated, 'Information and evidence were obtained that attest to the conduct on the territory of Moldova (by a Russian diplomat) of activities incompatible with his diplomatic status.' This followed the detention of two Moldovan officials for suspected state treason and conspiracy for providing information to a member of a foreign embassy in Chisinau, reportedly the Russian embassy.

Moldovan media and a security source identified the embassy as Russian. The Russian foreign ministry called the expulsion an 'unfriendly step' and blamed Moldova's 'aggressive anti-Russian course.' Relations have worsened as Chisinau seeks a pro-European direction and accuses Moscow of destabilizing efforts. Last August, Moldova significantly reduced Russia's embassy presence, expelling 22 diplomats and 23 employees over intelligence concerns.