Russia expels Moldovan diplomat in escalating bilateral tensions

Russia's Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of a Moldovan diplomat on Tuesday, characterizing the decision as a response to what it described as unfriendly actions by Chisinau. The Moldovan official was given a deadline to leave Russian territory, according to statements from Moscow.

The expulsion underscores the sharp decline in diplomatic relations between Russia and Moldova since the full-scale military operation in Ukraine began in February 2022. Moldova, which shares a border with both Ukraine and Russia, has gradually aligned itself more closely with Western institutions while distancing itself from Moscow's sphere of influence.

Moldova's government has condemned Russian military aggression and backed international sanctions against Moscow. The country has also sought closer ties with the European Union and NATO, moves that have drawn criticism from the Kremlin.

Diplomatic expulsions between the two nations have become increasingly common over the past two years, with both sides ordering the departure of each other's envoys in successive tit-for-tat cycles. These recurring incidents highlight the absence of meaningful dialogue between Chisinau and Moscow on key regional issues.