The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms the expulsion of three Russian diplomats. The note by which three employees of the Russian Embassy were declared undesirable persons was sent to Ambassador Oleg Ozerov, summoned to the MFA, IPN reports.

"The decision of the Moldovan authorities is based on clear evidence of conducting activities contrary to diplomatic status on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The diplomats concerned are to leave the country," the MFA said.

The MFA's decision comes after the director of the Intelligence and Security Service, Alexandru Musteata, revealed that the diplomatic mission, under the coordination of Russian special services, helped MP Alexandr Nesterovschi, sentenced to 12 years in prison, to take refuge in the Transnistrian region.

The Russian embassy will keep six diplomats in Chisinau and 15 technical staff.

The last Russian diplomat to be expelled from Moldova is Dmitry Kelov, accused by the Moldovan authorities of "activities incompatible with his diplomatic status". His expulsion came immediately after searches of the parliament and border police.