Moldova expels Russian diplomats
The Moldovan government has expelled 45 Russian diplomats and embassy staff in an espionage scandal. The expulsions came after reports that 28 antennas and satellite dishes had been installed on the roof of the Russian embassy in Chisinau, the Moldovan capital, which could be used to locate ships and aircraft and intercept satellite communications. Members of Russia’s intelligence service were also seen on the embassy rooftop, according to an investigation by Jurnal TV, a Moldovan television channel and Russian opposition website The Insider. There have been previous reports that the number of antennas on other Russian diplomatic missions across Europe – including in Brussels – far exceed the standard for embassy communications. Separately, Russia is reportedly preparing a Black Sea “blockade” after withdrawing from a deal that allowed the export of Ukrainian grain.
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