Moldova reduces Russian embassy staff over 'unfriendly actions'

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Moldova announced a decision Wednesday to significantly reduce the number of Russian diplomats permitted in its capital, Chisinau.

The Foreign Ministry indicated that Russia's Ambassador in Chisinau Oleg Vasnetsov was summoned to the ministry.

Russian staff will be reduced from 84 to 25, specifically to 10 diplomatic posts and 15 other positions.

"This decision comes as a result of numerous unfriendly actions towards the Republic of Moldova, unrelated to diplomatic duties, as well as attempts to destabilize the internal situation in our country," said the ministry.

Relations between Russia and Moldova, which was formerly part of the Soviet Union, have deteriorated significantly recently.

This decline was triggered by Moldovan President Maia Sandu's firm condemnation of Russia's invasion of neighboring Ukraine.

Sandu publicly accused Russia of attempting to orchestrate her ouster, further escalating tensions between the two nations.