Moldova expels Russian embassy worker over Transnistria voting stations

A man exits from voting cabin during Russia presidential elections in Russian Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova, Sunday (local time). EPA-Yonhap

Moldova said Tuesday it expelled a member of the Russian embassy to protest the opening of polling stations for Russia's presidential election in the breakaway region of Transnistria.

Despite opposition from Chisinau, several voting stations for the presidential election opened on Sunday in separatist Transnistria, where pro-Russian rebel officials in late February had appealed to Moscow for "protection."

About 200,000 Russian citizens live in Transnistria, according to local pro-Russian authorities.

After summoning the Russian ambassador for the second time in a week, Moldova's foreign ministry announced the expulsion in a statement.

A Russian embassy staff member has been declared a "persona non grata and will leave the country," the statement published on Telegram said.

The Moldovan government had authorised the opening of voting stations for Russia's presidential election only in the capital Chisinau.

The predominantly Russian-speaking Transnistria region, wedged between the Dniester river and the Ukraine border, unilaterally seceded from Moldova following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The Kremlin has around 1,500 soldiers permanently stationed in the region.

This "new action from the Russian Federation defies the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova," pro-European President Maia Sandu told reporters on Monday.

Moldova — which has applied for EU membership and is due to hold a referendum on it in autumn — frequently accuses the Kremlin of trying to stoke tensions in Transnistria.

"We need to join the European family to receive protection as soon as possible against the evil intentions of the Kremlin," Sandu said.

In July 2023, Moldova expelled 45 Russian diplomats and embassy staff following media reports of alleged spying by Russian secret service agents.

Only 10 diplomats and administrative staff remain at the embassy, according to a list published by the Moldovan foreign ministry at the end of 2023. (AFP)