Moldova expels 45 Russian diplomats and embassy staff
Moldova has expelled 45 Russian diplomats and embassy staff over allegations that they were trying to destabilise the former Soviet state as it seeks closer ties with the West.
Tensions have been growing between Moldova and Russia since February, when Maia Sandu, the Moldovan president, accused Moscow of plotting to overthrow her. Sandu has condemned the Kremlin’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine and wants her country to be admitted into the European Union.
Moldova’s foreign ministry said that the Russians would have to leave the country by August 15 and that they were being kicked out “over numerous unfriendly actions”.
Nicu Popescu, the Moldovan foreign minister, said that their expulsion would mean “there will be fewer individuals who are trying to destabilise the situation in
