Mon Mar 31 16:21:42 UTC 2025: ## Moldova Expels Three Russian Diplomats After Accusation of Lawmaker’s Escape
**Chisinau, Moldova** – Moldova has expelled three Russian diplomats, accusing the Russian embassy of facilitating the escape of a pro-Kremlin lawmaker, Alexander Nesterovschii, to the breakaway Transnistria region. The expulsion, announced Monday, follows Nesterovschii’s escape just one day before his sentencing to 12 years in prison for illegal political funding.
Moldovan authorities released security footage allegedly showing Nesterovschii entering the Russian embassy before his escape to Transnistria in a vehicle with diplomatic plates. The government claims this constitutes clear evidence of activities violating diplomatic status.
The Russian embassy vehemently denies the allegations, calling them unfounded and provocative. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has vowed an “appropriate response” to the expulsions, with reports indicating that one of the expelled diplomats was the co-chairman of the Joint Control Commission overseeing Transnistria.
This incident further escalates tensions between Moldova and Russia, adding to existing accusations of Russian interference in Moldovan politics. Nesterovschii’s alleged actions involved funneling money to a pro-Russian party linked to fugitive businessman Ilan Shor during recent elections and a referendum on Moldova’s EU aspirations.
The expulsion comes amidst heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, with the EU and several European nations announcing new sanctions against Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine. Moldova is preparing for parliamentary elections this autumn, which will serve as a crucial test of public support for the pro-EU government’s policies.
First Piper 