**Moldova Expels Three Russian Diplomats**
On March 31, Moldova expelled three Russian embassy employees. The move was made because the country’s Foreign Ministry said they were doing things that are not allowed for diplomats.
This comes after a report that a Moldovan politician escaped to a region controlled by Russia with help from Russian diplomats. Alexandr Nesterovschi is a lawmaker who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for funding a party that is banned in Moldova.
**Transnistria: A Region Controlled by Russia**
Transnistria is a part of Moldova that is controlled by Russia. Moscow took control of the region in the early 1990s, saying they were protecting Russian people there.
**Nesterovschi Escaped with Russian Help**
Moldova’s Information and Security Service said Nesterovschi fled to Transnistria with help from Russia. He was convicted on March 19 for corruption.
The Moldovan Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian Ambassador and told him that three embassy employees were being expelled. The Ambassador denied any wrongdoing, saying the accusations are “groundless and unsubstantiated”.
**Related Cases**
This is not the first time Moldova has taken action against Russia. In July 2023, Moldova expelled dozens of Russian diplomats and embassy staff over espionage concerns.
A leader from Moldova’s Gagauzia region was also detained on March 25 for allegedly funneling Russian funds into the country while serving as secretary of a pro-Russian party.