Russian Ambassador to Chisinau, Oleg Ozerov, described the expulsion of three Russian diplomats from Moldova as "a serious blow" to bilateral relations and to the dialogue on the Transnistrian settlement. Among those expelled is Alexandr Andreev, co-chair of the Joint Control Commission.
"We consider this counterproductive", Ozerov stated after leaving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was summoned to be informed of the expulsion decision, IPN reports.
The ambassador avoided giving a clear response regarding images published by the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS), which allegedly show fugitive MP Alexandr Nesterovschi - recently sentenced to 12 years in prison - entering the Russian embassy before being transported to Transnistria in a diplomatic vehicle.
"In the era of artificial intelligence, any kind of video is impossible to comment on. We consider these accusations unfounded and baseless", the Russian diplomat said.
Asked whether Nesterovschi was at the Russian Embassy on March 18, one day before his sentencing, Ozerov stated that he was not present at the time but had been informed that Nesterovschi had entered the embassy's premises.
Ozerov also emphasized that he had not received any official requests from Moldovan authorities regarding the matter. "If there are questions about certain individuals, we have an agreement on mutual legal assistance", he noted.
Regarding Moldova-Russia relations, the diplomat called for a "pragmatic dialogue" and urged efforts to avoid escalating tensions.
"We must prevent further deterioration of our relations and, on the contrary, work towards improving them", Ozerov said.
Moldovan Intelligence: Russia Helped Nesterovschi Evade Prison
At a press briefing, the head of Moldova’s Intelligence and Security Service (SIS), Alexandru Musteata, stated that Russia facilitated Alexandr Nesterovschi’s escape from prison. One day before his sentencing, Nesterovschi entered the Russian Embassy in Chisinau and was then transported in a diplomatic vehicle to Transnistria, where he remains under the direct protection of Russian special services.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs handed Ambassador Ozerov a diplomatic note declaring three Russian embassy staff members personae non gratae. The decision is based on clear evidence of activities contrary to diplomatic status within Moldova. The expelled diplomats must leave the country.
Among those expelled, in addition to Joint Control Commission co-chair Alexandr Andreev, is Andrei Voschinchin, an attaché accredited in August 2023. The name of the third expelled diplomat has not yet been disclosed.
Following the expulsions, the Russian Embassy in Chisinau will operate with six diplomats and 15 technical staff members.
