Russia summoned Moldova’s envoy in Moscow, on Monday, to express strong disapproval of remarks made by an unnamed Moldovan political party targeting Russia’s ambassador in Chisinau. A statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the party’s accusations, which called for the expulsion of Russia’s ambassador and restrictions on Moscow’s diplomatic mission. Russia demanded that Moldova publicly refute the claims and adhere to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The Russian ministry also protested the publication of a confidential note from the Russian Embassy in Chisinau, which was a response to the Moldovan Foreign Ministry’s note regarding gas supplies. Moscow expressed concerns that this incident undermines trust in Moldovan diplomacy and questioned the reliability of diplomatic channels with Chisinau.
Relations between Russia and Moldova have worsened since the election of pro-Western President Maia Sandu in 2020, especially following her condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The situation has been further strained by Moldova’s refusal to settle its gas debt, leading Russia’s Gazprom to cut gas supplies to the country starting January 1.
