Moldova deports head of Russian propaganda agency Denisov

Denisov shared this information with RIA Novosti.

Denisov explained that officials from the migration service arrived at his residence in Chisinau, placed him in a vehicle, and escorted him to the airport, where he was promptly deported on the first available flight. He noted that they didn't allow him to pack his belongings or take his pets. He was handed a written notice of a ten-year entry ban into Moldova. The Moldovan authorities justified their actions by considering him a threat to the country's national security.

"The decision I received stated that I had to leave Moldova due to being deemed a threat to the Republic of Moldova's national security, and I'm banned from returning for a decade," Denisov commented.

Russian media reported that Dmitry Kiselyov, the General Director of Russia Today, the state-owned Russian media holding, which includes the Sputnik agency, commented on the situation. According to him, "the Moldovan authorities' destructive policy exceeds the boundaries of reasonable diplomatic relations."

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moldova blocked Sputnik, citing concerns about the dissemination of "disinformation related to national security." Consequently, the agency's radio station broadcasts have been suspended since March 7. The Russian Embassy criticized Chisinau's actions, labeling the accusations against Sputnik Moldova as "biased and politically motivated."

• Previously, Moldova also expelled 18 diplomats and 27 technical staff members from the Russian Embassy in Chisinau. As a result, 10 diplomats and 15 technical staff members now remain at the embassy. 
• In response, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on August 18 that it would restrict the entry of certain Moldovan officials into Russia.