In a tit-for-tat move, Russia has declared a Moldovan diplomat persona non grata in response to Moldova’s decision to expel a Russian diplomat in a treason and conspiracy case. The move signals the latest downturn in bilateral relations.
Moldova’s no. 2 in Russia, Alexandru Chetraru, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia on Tuesday and expelled due to the “unfriendly steps (taken by) officials in Chișinău”, a statement from Russia’s foreign ministry said.
The development came after Moldovan officials conducted searches at the Moldovan Parliament and two individuals were detained in connection with a treason case.
Subsequently, Chișinău announced that an employee of the Russian embassy had been expelled for activity incompatible with diplomatic status.
Relations between Russia and Moldova have soured since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which directly borders Moldova, also a former Soviet republic. Moldova which has sometimes been in Moscow’s orbit since it declared independence in 1991 has tilted to the West after President Maia Sandu came to power. Last year, it gained EU member accession status.
