Moldova is demanding the expulsion of the Russian ambassador over statements regarding linguistic pressure in Transnistria

Moldova’s Liberal Party has issued an official demand to expel the newly appointed Russian ambassador, Oleg Ozerov, from the country and to revoke the accreditation of other Russian diplomatic mission staff involved in propaganda activities. This was prompted by statements made by the diplomat, which the political party described as an attempt at intimidation, a provocation, and direct interference in the internal affairs of an independent state. 

This was reported by Newsmaker.

The Moldovan side was outraged by Ozerov’s statement on May 24, in which he accused the official authorities in Chisinau of exerting “constant pressure” on the Russian-speaking population of Transnistria. In particular, the Russian ambassador is dissatisfied that, as part of the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, residents of the region are being encouraged to learn Romanian. In response, the Liberal Party emphasized that studying Romanian as the official language is entirely lawful, and that the country’s linguistic and cultural order is determined exclusively by its Constitution; therefore, Moscow’s attempts to dictate its rules to Moldovan citizens are unacceptable.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has decided to revoke the citizenship of five more individuals from unrecognized Transnistria. These are representatives of the region’s security forces who lost their Moldovan citizenship by a corresponding presidential decree.

Moldovamay be ready to join the EU by 2030, Sandu said.