Foreign minister says Moldova has right to expel more Russian diplomats

6/7/2024 12:01

        The foreign minister of ex-Soviet Moldova was quoted as saying on Friday that his government reserved the right to order further expulsions of Russian diplomats if Moscow engaged in new activities harmful to the country's interests.
        
        Moldova's relations with Russia have deteriorated as President Maia Sandu has denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and led a drive to join the European Union. Sandu describes Russia and corruption as the two biggest threats to her country.
        
        Moldova ordered out a Russian diplomat after Russia's March presidential election over Moscow's opening of four polling stations in the pro-Russian separatist Transdniestria region. Moldova had authorised a single polling station in Chisinau.
        
        Moldova also ordered Russia's embassy staff cut by 45 in 2023 after alleging it was using equipment there for spying.