Moldova has expelled five Russian diplomats amid tensions between the government and the president in Chisinau.
The diplomats, who have not been named, were asked to leave Chisinau May 29. The Moldavian government did not give an explanation for the decision.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said that Moscow would prepare a "tough" response.
"[This decision] is a provocation and a blow to those forces in Moldova led by President Igor Dodon, who are really calling for the normalization of bilateral relationship with Russia," he told reporters.
The decision has further strained tensions between Moldova’s pro-European government and its pro-Russian president, Igor Dodon.
President Dodon condemned the expulsions on Facebook Monday, telling followers he was “outraged.”
"This was done most likely on orders from the West," Dodon said. "This crude decision will not be left unanswered."
Estonia announced it had expelled two Russian diplomats on May 26. Tallin has also yet to give an official reason for the expulsion.
