A diplomatic crisis has erupted between Moldova and Russia. The Moldovan government accused the Russian Embassy in Chişinău of facilitating the escape of pro-Russian member of parliament Alexandr Nesterovschi to prevent his imprisonment for alleged illegal political financing. The government announced yesterday that it deported 3 Russian diplomats accused of organizing the MP’s escape.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated, “Russia’s interference in the judicial system of the Republic of Moldova is unacceptable. Just imagine if the Republic of Moldova interfered with justice in the Russian Federation.”

Russian Ambassador to Chişinău, Oleg Ozerov, called the accusation of internal interference baseless and unfounded. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that there would be retaliation for Moscow’s deportation decision.

LAST SEEN AT THE EMBASSY

The Security and Intelligence Service released a video yesterday showing Nesterovschi entering the Russian embassy in Chişinău on March 18, a day before he was sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison. According to the Intelligence Service, Nesterovschi was taken to the pro-Russian separatist Transnistrian region in a diplomatic-plated vehicle of the embassy, where he was placed under the direct protection of Russian special services.

Nesterovschi was found guilty of illegally transferring money to a pro-Russian party during the 2023 local elections, the 2024 presidential election, and a national referendum on Moldova’s European Union membership. He denied the charges, claiming they were politically motivated.

Moldovan officials accuse Russia of attempting to destabilize the country, including interfering in official institutions and elections. Moscow denies these allegations.

The President of the Gagauzia Autonomous Region affiliated with Moldova, Yevgeniya Gutsul, known for her pro-Russian policies, was detained at Chişinău International Airport on March 22 on charges of illegal political financing. Gutsul, who was ordered to be held in custody for at least 30 days by the court, denied the charges, claiming they were politically motivated. Gutsul had sought help from President Tayyip Erdoğan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. President Donald Trump.