Moldova to cut number of Russian diplomats over 'hostile actions'

Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu addresses media, as he arrives for a NATO leaders summit in Vilnius, Lithuania July 11, 2023. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins/File Photo

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova is cutting the number of diplomats Russia can have in Chisinau, its foreign minister said on Wednesday, complaining about years of "hostile actions" by Moscow and noting a media report about possible spying kit installed on the embassy's roof.

Relations between ex-Soviet Moldova and Russia have reached new lows as pro-European President Maia Sandu has pushed to bring the small country out of Russia's sphere of influence, and strongly condemned Moscow's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.