Maria Zakharova urges Russian citizens to avoid traveling to the Republic of Moldova. At the same time, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson blames Kyiv and Chisinau for Moscow’s decision to simplify citizenship procedures for residents of the left bank of the Nistru River.
The Russian official claims that authorities subject Russian citizens to hours-long interrogations and inspections. She also alleges that Moldovan authorities deny those citizens access to consular assistance.
“We recommend carefully assessing the risks before visiting the Republic of Moldova. It is not safe,” the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson states.
Zakharova says that Vladimir Putin signed a law simplifying citizenship procedures for Transnistrian residents in response to the “reckless actions of Chisinau and Kyiv.”
“The adoption of this decree has long been awaited and represents a purely humanitarian step aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of many Transnistrians,” Zakharova adds.
The Russian official also directly criticizes Maia Sandu, referring to the Romanian citizenship held by the Moldovan president and condemning her statements describing Russia as “a danger to Europe.”