The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia summoned the ambassador of the Republic of Moldova on Wednesday, sent him a protest against the “unfriendly actions” of the pro-European government of the former Soviet state and announced that it is banning the entry of several citizens into the country. its citizens, Reuters informs.

The statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the “systematic nature” of the actions, which, according to him, were directed against Russian citizens, including journalists.

“The leadership of the Republic of Moldova continues to make aggressive anti-Russian statements,” said the press release, which was reported by Moldovan ambassador Lilian Darie.

Since coming to power in 2020, President Maia Sandu has taken steps to abandon the country’s Soviet heritage, located between Ukraine and Romania, and move it into a European framework, Reuters reports

She condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of trying to interfere in local elections in the Republic of Moldova last November and of trying to stage a coup d’état to remove her.

Last month, Moldova’s parliament approved a new defense strategy that identifies Russia and corruption as the two biggest threats to the country’s security. Last month, the EU agreed to start negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine on joining the EU.

Ihor Zakharov, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, said that among the officials who were banned from entering Moscow were members of the presidential administration, government officials and journalists.

“The Republic of Moldova maintains its firm commitment to act against foreign interference and any actions that destabilize the security and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova,” Zakharov said in a statement.

According to him, the Republic of Moldova regrets Russia’s actions, “but it is important to note that such measures have long become routine for the Russian authorities.”

Russia similarly banned a number of Moldovan citizens last November, particularly in response to Russian media reports in the country.

Last month, authorities in Moscow also banned the import of Moldovan fruits and vegetables, key exports of one of Europe’s poorest countries.

On Wednesday, Moldovan authorities extended a ban imposed last year on 12 television channels, saying that these media institutions were engaged in “manipulation, disinformation and promotion of foreign programming”.

Moldovan authorities barred several politicians representing a banned party with pro-Russian views from local elections last November.