Tensions between Moldova and Russia ratcheted up on Monday after Moldova's decision to expel three Russian diplomats on Monday.
The Moldovan Foreign Ministry declared the three "persona non grata" and ordered them to leave, saying there was "clear evidence'' of actions that violated their diplomatic responsibilities.
Russia's Foreign Ministry pledged to take retaliatory measures, though it has not specified what those might be.
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The immediate trigger for Moldova's expulsion of Russian diplomats was the case of Alexander Nesterovschii, a member of parliament aligned with pro-Russian interests.
Nesterovschii was sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison after being convicted of illegally funding a political party linked to Ilan Shor — a fugitive businessman and former lawmaker.
Shor, who fled Moldova after being implicated in one of the country's largest bank fraud scandals, has since aligned himself with Kremlin-friendly causes.
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President Maia Sandu condemned what she described as direct interference in Moldova's judicial system.
"Interference by the Russian Federation with the judicial system of the Republic of Moldova is unacceptable,'' she said in a radio interview. "Imagine if Moldova interfered with justice in Russia.''
Moldova's pro-European government has frequently accused Russia of attempts to destabilize the country as it seeks closer ties with the European Union. Moldova aims to join the EU by 2030 and was granted candidate status in 2022.
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