The media articles in Romania and Moldova about alleged "Russian spies" identified as working under Lukoil's cover are just another example of fake news. No official espionage charges have been filed by the Romanian or Moldovan authorities against employees of the Lukoil Group companies. The company clarifies this in light of reports that, in early February, two Russian intelligence agents allegedly operating under Lukoil's cover were declared persona non grata in Moldova for five years, IPN reports.

According to the company, the published articles contain no real facts, only assumptions, speculation, and distortions of reality. "This clearly confirms the absence of real facts in the so-called 'spy scandal' unfolding ahead of Romania’s presidential elections and Moldova’s parliamentary elections. In reality, the two employees of Lukoil Group companies were denied entry into the country under an unfounded pretext," the company stated in a press release.

Lukoil further emphasizes that it is a private international energy company operating in 30 countries, including the European Union and the United States, and that it complies with local laws in all the countries where it is present.

"The company’s subsidiaries have been successfully operating for 27 years in Romania and 30 years in Moldova, being one of the leaders in the local market, without any objective facts that could tarnish Lukoil’s business reputation," the statement adds.

Recently, the President of the Moldovan Parliament, Igor Grosu, confirmed that two individuals had been declared persona non grata. He was asked by journalists about the initial reports stating they were Lukoil employees, followed by later reports suggesting they were embassy staff.

"Typically, these military personnel end up being employed through various companies, including the mentioned company. And when they sought to come here, state institutions assessed whether they were welcome. The conclusion was that they were not welcome for the next five years," the Speaker of Parliament explained.

Igor Grosu stated that he could not provide details on whether the individuals were accredited to embassies in Chisinau but noted that they "work under cover for certain intelligence services".