The Russian ambassador called the expulsion of the embassy staff in Moldova induced by the West

The expulsion of employees of the Russian embassy in Moldova was induced by the West under threat of refusal of the country's accession to the European Union (EU). This was announced on May 26 by the Russian Ambassador to Chisinau Oleg Ozerov.

According to him, Western countries are constantly encouraging Chisinau to behave tougher towards Moscow.

"This method, in my opinion, is externally induced, that is, these are such demands on Moldova from Western partners that if you do not behave harshly with Russia, then your path to the European Union will be blocked," the ambassador said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Ozerov called the relevant actions of Chisinau counterproductive. He stressed that the intention to "cut off" the historically established Russian-Moldovan ties with a "rough axe" would be unsuccessful.

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On March 31, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova declared three employees of the Russian Embassy persona non grata in the republic. The relevant document was handed over to the Russian diplomat. It claims that the staff of the diplomatic mission allegedly conduct activities contrary to their diplomatic status in Moldova.

At the same time, the Russian Embassy in Moldova called unfounded and unacceptable statements about the alleged interference of the Russian Federation in the internal affairs of the republic. The Russian delegation called on Chisinau to refrain from provocative speculation and return to a pragmatic bilateral dialogue with Moscow.