Chisinau reacts after Ozerov’s falsehoods: We are waiting for a concrete plan for the withdrawal of Russian troops

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Republic of Moldova strongly condemns the false and unfounded statements made by Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov during an interview with a Russian radio station. A press release issued on Sunday, November 17, states: “If the ambassador of the Russian Federation seeks to contribute to the revival of bilateral relations, the first step must be to draft a concrete plan for the unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from the left bank of the Dniester.”

The MFA refutes the claim that Moldova’s economic situation hinges on trade ties with the Russian Federation, calling it a gross reality distortion. “The facts speak for themselves: over 65% of Moldova’s exports go to EU countries, while only 3.7% go to the Russian Federation. Even the Transnistrian region exports more than 80% of its goods to the EU. The European Union is a reliable partner, providing transparent and predictable access to our agricultural products, fruits, vegetables, and wines. Meanwhile, Russia has repeatedly imposed abusive, politically motivated embargoes that have harmed Moldovan producers and affected countless families reliant on these exports.”

The statement also addresses Russia’s violation of Moldova’s constitutional neutrality through the continued presence of Russian troops on Moldovan territory, against the state’s will. It emphasizes that Moldova’s EU accession, backed by its citizens in the October 20, 2024, constitutional referendum, does not conflict with its neutral status. The MFA cites neutral EU member states such as Austria, Ireland, and Malta to counter the ambassador’s assertions.

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The MFA calls on Ambassador Ozerov to cease spreading false and manipulative statements, warning that such actions may violate the Vienna Convention’s norms of diplomatic behavior. “The Republic of Moldova will not tolerate attempts to misinform and distort the truth. The ambassador must respect diplomatic norms and focus on real solutions that benefit the citizens of both countries rather than engaging in propaganda,” the statement reads.

The MFA also debunks the ambassador’s false claim that “Moldova’s entire economy relies on a foundation created by the Soviet Union, specifically the thermoelectric power plant in Transnistria.”