Moldova has expelled 22 Russian diplomats from the country because of “unfriendly actions and attempts to spark untests”. 

The Moldovan authorities claimed the investigation had  proved the Russian authorities could spy on Moldovan politicians using satellite devices. 

President Maia Sandu has accused Russia of “organizing a coup”. 

Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova applied for European Union membership shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 

The bloc granted Ukraine and Moldova its candidacy in July 2022, while Georgia obtained a European perspective and a reform agenda to receive the status. 

The European Council is scheduled to decide on Georgia’s candidacy in December.