The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has declared three Russian diplomats persona non grata following allegations that Russia aided former MP Alexandr Nesterovschi in evading imprisonment. On March 31, 2025, Oleg Ozerov, the head of the Russian diplomatic mission in Chisinau, was officially informed of the decision.
The MFA cited clear evidence that the diplomats violated their official status as the reason for their expulsion. “These individuals must leave the country,” the ministry emphasized. The Russian Embassy in Moldova will now operate with six diplomats and 15 technical staff members.
The move comes after the head of the Intelligence and Security Service (ISS) presented evidence suggesting that Russia facilitated Nesterovschi’s escape. ISS reported that Nesterovschi went to the Russian Embassy in Chisinau the night before his sentencing. The following day, he allegedly boarded a Russian diplomatic minibus, which transported him to Transnistria.
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Speaking to journalists after meeting with Moldovan officials, Oleg Ozerov denied any involvement by the Russian Embassy. He claimed he was unaware of Nesterovschi’s identity, stating, “I have never seen this person. I only heard about him in the press. How am I supposed to know if he entered or not? Every day, dozens of people come to us with various issues.”
Ozerov also dismissed the video evidence released by SIS, questioning its credibility. “In the age of AI, should we believe every image? There is no serious proof beyond vague footage on a TV screen. Do you truly consider this an investigation?” he remarked.
The Russian Embassy in Moldova has rejected the accusations, labeling them “unfounded allegations of interference in Moldova’s internal affairs.” Meanwhile, Nesterovschi, sentenced to 12 years in prison, remains in Transnistria. Moldovan authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances of his escape.