On Wednesday, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the detention of two citizens from Moldova on charges of espionage and accused the Moldovan government of efforts to jeopardize Russia’s national security.

The FSB’s statement indicated that the individuals are believed to have engaged in unlawful activities on behalf of Moldova’s Security and Intelligence Service.

Moldova has not provided an immediate response; however, it has previously leveled accusations against Russia regarding espionage activities.

The FSB reported that the two men entered Russia with forged identification documents and allegedly attempted to perform operations “against the security of the Russian Federation,” though further specifics were not disclosed.

Subsequently, state media circulated a video purportedly showing the suspects confessing, with the FSB asserting that Moldova is “escalating efforts to undermine Russia’s security.”

Should they be found guilty, the individuals could face sentences of up to eight years in prison.

Relations between Russia and Moldova have significantly worsened in recent years, with Moldova repeatedly accusing Russia of efforts to destabilize the nation, including interference in its political institutions and electoral processes.

The Kremlin has refuted these claims, labeling them as anti-Russian “hysteria,” and has accused Moldova of intentionally sabotaging diplomatic relations.

Recently, both nations have expelled numerous diplomats from each other’s countries in a series of retaliatory actions.