Russia expels Moldovan diplomat in tit-for-tat move

· Politics · Russia · Moldova

Russia's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it had declared a Moldovan diplomat at the country's Moscow embassy persona non grata in retaliation for a similar Moldovan move undertaken last month, according to Al Jazeera and The Straits Times. Relations between Moscow and Chisinau have worsened since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Moldova has pivoted toward the EU and accused Russia of interference, while Moscow has pressured the country over energy and politics.

Why it matters：The expulsions show how the Ukraine war keeps straining Russia's ties with neighbouring states that are tilting toward Europe.

Key points

  • Russia declared a Moldovan diplomat persona non grata.
  • The move retaliates for a Moldovan expulsion last month.
  • Ties have worsened since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Sources (original reporting)

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