Moldova has expelled three Russian diplomats, accusing them of orchestrating the escape of pro-Russian MP Alexandr Nesterovschi, who was sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison for illegal political financing. Authorities claim he was smuggled to the pro-Russian Transnistria region in a Russian embassy vehicle. Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned Russia’s alleged interference, while Moscow denied the accusations and vowed retaliation. Meanwhile, Yevgeniya Gutsul, the pro-Russian leader of Moldova’s Gagauzia region, was detained over similar charges.