Moscow, January 10 – The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Moldovan Ambassador Lilian Dariy in protest against the unfriendly actions of Chisinau, according to a statement on the foreign ministry’s website. “On January 10, the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Russia, Lilian Dariy, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ambassador was strongly protested against the unfriendly actions of the official Chisinau. It was noted that in the event of their continuation, the Russian side reserves the right to take additional retaliatory measures,” the statement said. The ministry explained that Russian and Russian-speaking media in Moldova are subjected to politically motivated persecution. Thus, the republic violates international obligations in the field of protecting freedom of speech and the rights of journalists. In addition, cases of discrimination against compatriots and unjustified refusals to cross the border have increased. The Moldovan authorities, in turn, continue to make aggressive statements against the Russian leadership, the ministry said. “Concern was expressed about the information in the media about the plans of the Republic of Moldova to assist in the training of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel on Moldovan territory with the participation of instructors from NATO countries,” the ministry emphasized. As a result, the ambassador was informed of the decision to close entry to Russia for certain officials of the republic in response to the actions of the Moldovan leadership. Relations between Russia and Moldova have deteriorated since Maya Sandu, who supports a pro-European stance, became the president of the republic at the end of 2020. Dmitry Peskov, the president’s press secretary, stated that this country seeks to become unfriendly towards Russia. Moscow called on Chisinau to listen to the interests of its own citizens and not to hinder the development of contacts and interregional relations.
