Russia has barred entry to a number of government officials from Moldova following a move by its pro-European government to block Russian media outlets ahead of local elections earlier this month.
The development was the latest sign of tension between the countries amid allegations by Moldova that Russia has been meddling in domestic affairs as the ex-Soviet state moves closer to the European Union.
Moldovan Ambassador Lilian Darie was summoned to be told of the decision, Russia’s foreign ministry said.
Moldovan news site newsmaker.md said the Russian list barred 11 parliamentarians – all members of Sandu’s pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity.
Ahead of the election, Moldova suspended barred access to 30 media sites on grounds of spreading disinformation.
Sandu has denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of trying to remove her in a coup. Russia denies the allegations.
