The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has summoned Moldova’s Ambassador to Moscow Lilian Darii to be told about the categorical protest against what the Russian authorities described as “unfriendly acts of the authorities in Chisinau”. Also, the diplomat was informed about the ban on entering Russia imposed on 12 citizens of Moldova. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (MFAEI) said that the Russian Federation’s decision is regrettable, but such measures have already become common on the agenda of the Russian authorities, IPN reports.
The Russian ministry said that “unfriendly acts imply politically motivated persecution of Russian and Russian-language journalists, contrary to Chisinau’s international commitments regarding the right to freedom of expression.”
“Cases of discrimination against Russian citizens entering Moldova have become systemic, and unfounded refusals of entry have become more frequent. Moldova’s leadership continues to make aggressive anti-Russian declarations. The ambassador was informed of the decision to ban a number of Moldovan officials from entering the Russian Federation in response to the Moldovan leadership’s acts,” reads a press release issued by the Russian ministry.
The institution noted that the ambassador was also informed about press reports about Moldova’s plans to provide assistance in training military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the territory of the Republic of Moldova with the participation of instructors from NATO countries. “It was stressed that such support is unacceptable and leads to the erosion of Moldova’s neutrality status and to direct involvement in hostilities on the side of the Kiev regime,” said the statement.
Contacted by IPN for a comment, press officer of the MFAEI Filip Cojocaru said that the Russian Federation’s decision is regrettable. “But it is important to note that such measures have already become common on the agenda of the Russian authorities. Despite this, Moldova remains firmly committed to countering foreign interference and any destabilizing actions against our security and sovereignty,” stated Filip Cojocaru.
Among those who were banned entry into Russia are seven journalists, a presidential adviser and the head of the President’s Office, the Secretary General of the Government, a member of the Audiovisual Council and the coordinator of the Center for Strategic Communication and Disinformation Combating.
