Moldovan spy deported from Russia for espionage activities
- D. Rusnak, a former operative of Moldova's security services, was deported from Russia and banned from re-entry for 60 years.
- He allegedly collected classified information regarding Russian leadership's plans for Moldova and engaged with Ukrainian intelligence.
- The FSB stated his espionage efforts did not constitute a significant threat to national security.
In February 2024, a Moldovan citizen named D. Rusnak was ordered to leave Russia after being identified as an operative tasked with espionage activities. The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia announced that Rusnak, a former member of Moldova's Security and Intelligence Service (SIS), had been collecting classified information related to Russian foreign policy towards Moldova, specifically regarding the leadership and security forces. The FSB claimed his actions did not inflict any significant damage on Russian national security. Furthermore, the agency noted that Rusnak intended to gain legal status within Russia while masquerading as a willing collaborator. Rusnak's espionage efforts reportedly included engagement with Ukrainian intelligence, particularly with Kirill Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR). In 2021, he was involved in discussions around plans to conduct sabotage operations targeting Russian peacekeepers in Transnistria, a separatist region in Moldova. This cooperation with Ukrainian intelligence demonstrates increasing collaboration between Moldovan and Ukrainian agencies against perceived Russian threats. The geopolitical landscape has changed significantly in recent years, particularly with Moldova’s pro-Western government under President Maia Sandu, which has adopted policies countering Russian influence. Moldova was granted EU candidate status alongside Ukraine in June 2022, aligning more closely with Western institutions amidst ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Consequently, these dynamics elevate concerns about Moldova's security and the role foreign intelligence services play within the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. In recent months, Russia has reportedly accused Moldova of facilitating activities for Ukrainian special services, which include recruiting agents and conducting operations against Russia. The FSB's actions against Rusnak reflect broader security measures in reaction to what Moscow perceives as growing hostilities from neighboring countries.