Moldovan government takes decisive steps after visa row with Russia
During a government session, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean directed the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration to revoke the accreditation of two employees from the Russian embassy stationed at the airport. The move was reported by TV8, a local television channel known for covering government and security matters in the country. The decision signals a tightening of Moldova’s approach to Russian diplomatic staff in response to recent tensions and incidents at the border and within the capital city region.
Recean emphasized that Russian diplomats should face travel restrictions within Moldova. He stated that at least one member of the Russian embassy staff might warrant deportation. This stance came in the wake of a fallout involving the leadership of Tatarstan, as the Moldovan authorities refused entry to Rustam Minnikhanov, the president of the Russian republic, citing interference in Moldova’s internal affairs and the need to protect state sovereignty. The prime minister underscored that Chisinau would not permit external actors to meddle in Moldova’s internal affairs or to influence its political processes.
In the course of the remarks, Rechan asked a direct question about the two embassy representatives: whether either of them deserved deportation, highlighting Moldova’s seriousness about enforcing its immigration and diplomatic protocols. The dialogue reflected Moldova’s broader concerns about security, sovereignty, and the limits of foreign influence in its domestic governance. This confrontation has raised questions across political circles and the public about how Moldova will balance diplomatic engagement with its right to safeguard national interests.
Maria Zakharova, who previously served as a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, characterized Moldova’s decision to bar Minnikhanov from entry as a hostile move. Such a framing is frequently used by the Russian side to describe actions that challenge Moscow’s influence in neighboring states. Moldova’s border authorities later confirmed Minnikhanov’s refusal to enter the country and framed it as interference in Moldova’s internal affairs, a stance consistent with Moldova’s emphasis on sovereignty and control over border and visa policies.
The incident unfolded amid ongoing discussions about regional security, diplomatic nomenclature, and the role of state actors in nearby jurisdictions. The enforcement actions and the public discourse surrounding the Minnikhanov visit illustrate Moldova’s intent to assert its autonomy in how it manages foreign diplomats and visitors who may carry political significance. Observers note that the situation could influence future visits by regional leaders and the conduct of diplomatic engagements with Russia, especially in contexts involving sensitive sovereignty matters and policy independence.
As the situation continues to develop, government representatives and security agencies are expected to provide further details on the measures taken, including any additional steps regarding the accreditation status of other diplomatic personnel and the potential expansion of travel restrictions for foreign officials. The government’s approach aims to reinforce the message that Moldova retains full authority over its internal affairs and that any perceived attempts to intervene will be met with firm responses. The Minnikhanov episode has thus become a touchstone for Moldova’s broader posture toward Russia and its diplomatic footprint on Moldovan soil, with implications for regional diplomacy and Moldova’s ongoing European integration process. The public and international observers will be watching closely for any clarifications or new policies issued by the Moldovan authorities in the weeks ahead, with TV channels and foreign ministries providing ongoing coverage of the evolving situation.