Authorities in Chisinau are considering reducing the number of Russian diplomats in the Republic of Moldova. According to Speaker Igor Grosu, evaluations are being made at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, and upon their completion concrete proposals will be discussed.
“The Russian Federation has always had trouble respecting neighboring countries or former Soviet republics. They have always been treated as appendages, as their territory. (Russians) have never learned from their history. The explanation is simple – (Russia) behaves like an empire with old, toxic grips. (Russians) are expanding their borders, they are disrespecting international laws, which we see happening in Ukraine. If so, we have to decide accordingly”, said the speaker.
“We generally evaluate the whole range of phenomena that are happening. No one is having any illusions anymore. The Russian Federation, through organized criminal groups with representation in the opposition, undertakes hybrid actions to destabilize the political situation in the Republic of Moldova”, said Igor Grosu.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today summoned the head of the Russian diplomatic mission to Moldova in connection with a remark by a Russian regional representative in occupied territories of Ukraine, who suggested the possibility of Russia striking a bridge in Moldova. The Embassy’s secretary, Anatoli Loshakov showed up instead. On his way out, he told reporters that it was an “ordinary diplomatic procedure”, and that all the needed explanations were offered. He added: “the Russian military operation only targets the territory of Ukraine, and the goals and progress of the operation are the exclusive prerogatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense and not of regional administration representatives”.
