The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (MAEIE) in the Republic of Moldova announced Wednesday that Russian ambassadors in Moldova would be limited to 10 diplomats and 15 administrative positions due to “ongoing tensions [and] unfriendly actions.” According to a press release, extra Russian diplomats must leave the country by August 15.

Foreign Minister of Moldova Nicu Popescu stated in a cabinet meeting, “We agreed on the need to limit the number of accredited diplomats from Russia, so that there are fewer people trying to destabilize the Republic of Moldova.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson of Russia Maria Zakharova responded, saying, “We consider these to be unjustified and unfriendly actions that will not go unanswered. This is another step by the Chisinau regime to destroy bilateral relations.”

Tensions between Russia and Moldova have continued to ramp up throughout Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to Iuliia Mendel, spokesperson for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, equipment was installed on the rooftop of the Russian Embassy in Moldova that could be used for spying. Zakharova denied any allegations of spying by the Russian government. Moldovan authorities have also alleged that Russia attempted to “undermine” the country’s democratic process. The Moldovan opposition Shor party was sanctioned by the UK and US for its involvement in attempts by Russia to undermine Moldovan democracy. The party has since been disbanded by a Moldovan constitutional court. Moldova has applied to join the European Union (EU) and the application has been fast-tracked.