Lavrov warns Moldova about threats to peacekeepers
2 years, 3 months ago

Lavrov warns Moldova about threats to peacekeepers

Associated Press  

MOSCOW — Russia’s foreign minister warned Thursday that any actions seen as endangering a Russian peacekeeping contingent in a separatist region of Moldova would be considered as an attack on Russia itself. Sergey Lavrov’s statement in an address at Russia’s top foreign affairs school underlined concerns that Moldova’s Transnistria region, which borders Ukraine, could be drawn into the Russia-Ukraine conflict. After Lavrov’s comments, Moldova’s foreign ministry summoned Russia’s charge d’affaires for “clarification.” “We remind the Russian side that the legislation of the Republic of Moldova guarantees fundamental human rights and freedoms,” the ministry said. At the time, European Council President Charles Michel called the decisions to give both Moldova and Ukraine candidate status, a “historic moment” that “marks a crucial step on your path towards the EU.” Moldova will need to enact reforms in areas such as tackling corruption, organized crime, strengthening human rights and the rule of law before it can join.

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History of this topic

Moldova formally protests alleged Russian election meddling
1 month, 1 week ago

Moldova formally protests alleged Russian election meddling

Al Jazeera  

Chisinau accuses Moscow of undermining democratic process and condemned drones flown over its territory. Violation Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported that it used the meeting to strongly condemn a violation of its air space by two alleged Russian drones on Sunday. “The competent institutions of our country possess clear information indicating that the drones were launched by the …

Moldova Votes in Election, EU Referendum Amid Allegations of Russian Interference
2 months ago

Moldova Votes in Election, EU Referendum Amid Allegations of Russian Interference

The Hindu  

Moldova's upcoming election and EU referendum are overshadowed by allegations of Russian election meddling. The country's pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu leads in the presidential election, but a majority of voters are expected to support EU accession. The referendum, which will determine whether to include a clause defining EU accession in the constitution, is expected to be a close contest. The …

Moldova expels Russian diplomat after detaining two officials suspected of treason and conspiracy
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Moldova expels Russian diplomat after detaining two officials suspected of treason and conspiracy

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs …

EU launches membership talks with Moldova and Ukraine
5 months, 4 weeks ago

EU launches membership talks with Moldova and Ukraine

Al Jazeera  

A symbolic ceremony will mark the beginning of the negotiations in Luxembourg, signalling that the two ex-Soviet countries are on a path away from Russian influence. The European Union is to formally launch accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova after the bloc’s member states gave the nod last week. The agreement of the bloc’s 27 members was secured last week, …

Ukraine and Moldova launch EU membership talks, but joining is likely to take years
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Ukraine and Moldova launch EU membership talks, but joining is likely to take years

LA Times  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a news conference with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv earlier this year. In opening remarks presented via video-link, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal described it as “a historic day” that marks “a new chapter” in his country’s ties with the bloc, particularly as the war with Russia rages on. Belgian …

How events in Moldova’s breakaway Transnistria region raised fears of Russian interference
8 months, 3 weeks ago

How events in Moldova’s breakaway Transnistria region raised fears of Russian interference

Associated Press  

Since Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago, fears have risen in neighboring Moldova that it could also be in Moscow’s crosshairs. “More such actions are planned by the Russian Federation” in Transnistria, Moldova’s Bureau for Reintegration Policies said in a statement Monday. The bureau, which works to reintegrate Transnistria into Moldova, added that with Russia unable to attack Moldova militarily, …

Moldova expels Russian diplomat over presidential polling stations in breakaway Transnistria region
9 months ago

Moldova expels Russian diplomat over presidential polling stations in breakaway Transnistria region

Associated Press  

BUCHAREST, Romania — Moldova said Tuesday it has expelled a Russian diplomat after Moscow opened polling stations for its presidential election in Moldova’s pro-Russia breakaway region of Transnistria. Moldova summoned Russia’s ambassador, Oleg Vasnetsov, to protest against the Kremlin’s decision to open six polling stations in Transnistria “contrary to the position of the Moldovan authorities,” the foreign ministry said. Russia …

Moldova expels Russian diplomat over polling stations in Transnistria
9 months ago

Moldova expels Russian diplomat over polling stations in Transnistria

Al Jazeera  

The unnamed diplomat is expelled in protest against the opening of six polling stations in the breakaway region. Moldova has expelled a Russian diplomat over the opening of polling stations for Russia’s presidential election in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria. Moldova summoned Russia’s ambassador, Oleg Vasnetsov, to protest against the Kremlin’s decision to open six polling stations in Transnistria “contrary …

Moldova faces multiple threats from Russia as it turns toward EU membership, foreign minister says
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Moldova faces multiple threats from Russia as it turns toward EU membership, foreign minister says

Associated Press  

CHISINAU, Moldova — The past two years have been the hardest and most tumultuous for European Union candidate Moldova in more than three decades as it faces threats from Russia in multiple spheres of public life, the country’s foreign minister says. Moldovan officials have repeatedly accused Russia of conducting a “hybrid war” against the country — funding anti-government protests, meddling …

France and Moldova to sign defence deal as Russia watches on
9 months, 2 weeks ago

France and Moldova to sign defence deal as Russia watches on

The Hindu  

French President Emmanuel Macron and Moldovan leader Maia Sandu will sign a defence co-operation agreement in Paris on Thursday, his office said, as tensions mount between Chisinau and pro-Russian separatists. Their meeting in the French capital will take place after pro-Russian officials in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria last week appealed to Russia for “protection”. “A defence cooperation agreement and …

Moldova warns against Russian meddling as it gears up for EU referendum and presidential election
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Moldova warns against Russian meddling as it gears up for EU referendum and presidential election

Associated Press  

BUCHAREST, Romania — Moldova’s national intelligence agency warned Tuesday against “unprecedented” Russian interference as the country gears up for a referendum on joining the European Union and a presidential election. The Intelligence and Security Services, or SIS, released a report saying it has gathered data indicating Russia plans to launch vast hybrid attacks against Moldova through 2024-2025 to try to …

Moldovan breakaway region appeals to Russia as a spat with the pro-Western government worsens
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Moldovan breakaway region appeals to Russia as a spat with the pro-Western government worsens

Associated Press  

CHISINAU, Moldova — Officials in Moldova’s Russia-backed breakaway region of Transnistria appealed to Moscow for protection Wednesday, as tensions escalate with the pro-Western government. On Wednesday, members of the Transnistrian congress used a rare meeting in the regional capital, Tiraspol, to ask the Russian Duma to “implement measures for defending Transnistria amid increasing pressure from Moldova, given the fact that …

Ukrainian and Moldovan entry could destabilise EU: Russia
1 year ago

Ukrainian and Moldovan entry could destabilise EU: Russia

The Hindu  

Russia said on Friday that the European Union's decision to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova was a politicised decision that could destabilise the bloc. The EU has always had strict criteria for accession and it is obvious that at the moment neither Ukraine nor Moldova meets these criteria," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. But such new members …

Far from Russia, a pro-Moscow sliver of land tries to cling to its identity — and keep war at bay
1 year, 7 months ago

Far from Russia, a pro-Moscow sliver of land tries to cling to its identity — and keep war at bay

LA Times  

A lake in the city center of Tiraspol, the capital of the breakaway republic of Transnistria, wedged between Moldova and Ukraine. “Not just as a nationality, but as a people who love Russia and want to belong to Russian civilization.” That loyalty comes from Transnistria’s short history. In 1992, Russian troops helped people here beat back nationalists from next-door Moldova …

Photos: Fears, vulnerabilities, divides and dancing in Moldova
1 year, 8 months ago

Photos: Fears, vulnerabilities, divides and dancing in Moldova

Al Jazeera  

Molovata Noua, Moldova – Memories of March 1992 weigh heavily on Alexandra Besleaga. Today Moldova – a former Soviet Republic of 2.6 million people – has become an increasingly visible sideshow of Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Moscow is also accused of trying to destabilise Moldova within the next decade and bring it back within Russia’s sphere of influence. In the …

Netherlands opens embassy in Moldova in response to war in Ukraine
1 year, 8 months ago

Netherlands opens embassy in Moldova in response to war in Ukraine

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is opening an embassy in Moldova with the aim of strengthening ties with the country in the face of interference from Russia. Foreign affairs minister Wopke Hoekstra, who will formally open the embassy in Chisinau on Wednesday, said it was in the interests of the Netherlands to have ‘security and stability on the eastern border’ of Europe. The …

Netherlands opens embassy in Moldova in response to war in Ukraine
1 year, 8 months ago

Netherlands opens embassy in Moldova in response to war in Ukraine

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is opening an embassy in Moldova with the aim of strengthening ties with the country in the face of interference from Russia. Foreign affairs minister Wopke Hoekstra, who will formally open the embassy in Chisinau on Wednesday, said it was in the interests of the Netherlands to have ‘security and stability on the eastern border’ of Europe. The …

Is Moldova the focal point of a new Russian strategy for 'horizontal' conflict?
1 year, 9 months ago

Is Moldova the focal point of a new Russian strategy for 'horizontal' conflict?

Firstpost  

One of the consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine is the fact that the Kremlin has lost a lot of its influence in former Soviet countries. Turkish control over key pipeline infrastructure, such as the trans-Anatolian gas pipeline which connects Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz region with the European trans-Adriatic Pipeline at the Greek-Turkish border, provides a critical alternative to oil and …

Destabilising another neighbour: Secret document reveals Russia had plans to punish Moldova for cosying up to the West – Firstpost
1 year, 9 months ago

Destabilising another neighbour: Secret document reveals Russia had plans to punish Moldova for cosying up to the West – Firstpost

Firstpost  

The document was titled, ‘Strategic objectives of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova,’ and it appears that it was written in 2021 by FSB’s Directorate for Cross-Border Cooperation. It sets out a 10-year plan on bringing Moldova within Russia’s sphere of influence New Delhi: A secret document has revealed that Russia’s security service, the FSB, had plans to …

As war rages in Ukraine, is Moldova on the brink of conflict?
1 year, 9 months ago

As war rages in Ukraine, is Moldova on the brink of conflict?

Al Jazeera  

Russia says the West wants to turn Moldova against Moscow as Ukraine claims the Kremlin wants to control the small landlocked nation. Moldova faces a “civil conflict”, pro-Russian forces say, while their pro-Western opponents call the crises a “hybrid war” instigated by Moscow to force the nation of 2.6 million back into the Kremlin’s political orbit. “Moldova is one of …

Moldova separatists say Ukrainian plot against leader foiled
1 year, 9 months ago

Moldova separatists say Ukrainian plot against leader foiled

Al Jazeera  

The government in Chișinău says it is investigating the alleged incident as Kyiv cites a Russian provocation. Kyiv rejected the accusations on Thursday as a Kremlin “provocation” in the latest in a series of claims and counterclaims over the territory, which is wedged along Ukraine’s southwestern border with Moldova. “The government is ready to deal with provocations.” Russian state news …

Moldova denies 'direct threat' to Transnistria from Ukraine
1 year, 10 months ago

Moldova denies 'direct threat' to Transnistria from Ukraine

Firstpost  

Moscow-backed Transnistria is a narrow region bordering Ukraine, which after a war separated from Moldova in 1992. Since the launch of the offensive in Ukraine a year ago, the Kremlin has been accused of raising tensions in Transnistria Chisinau: Moldova’s ministry of defence on Friday denied that any ‘direct threat’ by Ukraine to its pro-Russian separatist region exists, in an …

Putin cancels decree underpinning Moldova's sovereignty in separatist conflict
1 year, 10 months ago

Putin cancels decree underpinning Moldova's sovereignty in separatist conflict

India Today  

President Vladimir Putin revoked on Tuesday a 2012 decree that in part underpinned Moldova's sovereignty in resolving the future of the Transdniestria region - a Moscow-backed separatist region which borders Ukraine and where Russia keeps troops. The decree, which included a Moldova component, outlined Russia's foreign policy 11 years ago which assumed Moscow's closer relations with the European Union and …

Moldova: New pro-Western government sworn in, faces ‘crises’
1 year, 10 months ago

Moldova: New pro-Western government sworn in, faces ‘crises’

Associated Press  

CHISINAU, Moldova — Moldova’s new government led by pro-Western economist Dorin Recean was sworn in Thursday after winning Parliament’s approval, as the small former Soviet republic signaled a shift to security concerns amid Russia’s war in neighboring Ukraine. He told lawmakers Thursday that his main focus will be to introduce “discipline and order” in Moldova’s institutions, breathe new life into …

What’s behind the recent flare-up between Moldova and Russia?
1 year, 10 months ago

What’s behind the recent flare-up between Moldova and Russia?

Al Jazeera  

Moldova has accused Russia of seeking to derail its EU candidacy, as the war in Ukraine rages. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last February, tensions in Moldova have risen periodically, especially because of a Kremlin-backed breakaway region on its eastern border where Russia has stationed about 1,500 troops. On Tuesday, Russia slapped down as “completely unfounded” the accusations that Moscow …

Russia denies claims it plans to destabilize Moldova
1 year, 10 months ago

Russia denies claims it plans to destabilize Moldova

Associated Press  

MOSCOW — Russia on Tuesday angrily rejected the Moldovan president’s claims about an alleged plot by Moscow to overthrow her government and accused Moldovan authorities of trying to distract public attention away from the country’s own domestic problems. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu said Monday that the purported Russian plot envisioned attacks on government buildings, hostage-takings and other violent actions by …

Moldova again at center of tug between Moscow and the West
1 year, 10 months ago

Moldova again at center of tug between Moscow and the West

Associated Press  

CHISINAU, Moldova — Sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, the country of Moldova has often been at the center of a struggle between Moscow and the West. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, tensions in Moldova have risen periodically, especially because of a Kremlin-backed breakaway region on its eastern border where Russia has stationed about 1,500 troops. On Monday, Moldova’s President Maia …

Moldovan president warns of Russian agent infiltration
1 year, 10 months ago

Moldovan president warns of Russian agent infiltration

Al Jazeera  

Maia Sandu says Moscow plans to sabotage her government, ‘overthrow the constitutional order’ and use Moldova in the war against Ukraine. Maia Sandu spoke on Monday after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that Kyiv had uncovered a Russian intelligence plot “for the destruction of Moldova”. Sandu alleged Moscow’s plan involves citizens of Russia, Montenegro, Belarus and Serbia entering …

Moldova intel chief: Russia could aim for breakaway region
2 years ago

Moldova intel chief: Russia could aim for breakaway region

Associated Press  

CHISINAU, Moldova — Moldova’s national intelligence agency said Monday that Russia could launch a new offensive next year with an aim to “create a land corridor” through southern Ukraine to the Moscow-backed breakaway region of Transnistria. Moldova’s Intelligence and Security Services, or SIS, released a statement on Monday aimed at clarifying comments made by the agency’s head, Alexandru Musteata, who …

100M euros pledged to Moldova, hit hard by war in Ukraine
2 years, 1 month ago

100M euros pledged to Moldova, hit hard by war in Ukraine

Associated Press  

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron said more than 100 million euros were raised at a donors conference Monday to help assist Europe’s poorest country, Moldova, which is suffering massive blackouts, an acute energy crisis, heavy refugee flows and potential security threats from the war in neighboring Ukraine. France’s Macron vowed on Monday to continue helping Moldova and said that …

Unique, historical: Zelenskyy on EU's decision to grant candidate status to Ukraine
2 years, 6 months ago

Unique, historical: Zelenskyy on EU's decision to grant candidate status to Ukraine

India Today  

Ukraine became a candidate to join the European Union on Thursday, a bold geopolitical step triggered by Russia's invasion that Kyiv and Brussels hailed as an "historic moment". HOT SUMMER Russian forces were trying to encircle Ukrainian troops defending Lysychansk, senior Ukrainian defence official Oleksiy Gromov said in a briefing on Thursday. On the southern front, Russian forces struck Ukrainian …

Moldova, tiny, poor and bordering Ukraine, gets EU candidacy
2 years, 6 months ago

Moldova, tiny, poor and bordering Ukraine, gets EU candidacy

Associated Press  

SIGHISOARA, Romania — The European Union announced Thursday that it has granted EU candidate status to Moldova, a poor non-NATO Eastern European country bordering war-torn Ukraine, which likely won’t enjoy the perks of full bloc membership for years to come. Charles Michel, the European Council President and EU summit chair, tweeted the decision to give both Moldova and Ukraine candidate …

Moldova, tiny, poor and bordering Ukraine, gets EU candidacy
2 years, 6 months ago

Moldova, tiny, poor and bordering Ukraine, gets EU candidacy

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Nearly 60 feared dead after Russia bombs Ukraine school
2 years, 7 months ago

Nearly 60 feared dead after Russia bombs Ukraine school

India Today  

Dozens of Ukrainians were feared dead Sunday after a Russian bomb flattened a school sheltering about 90 people in its basement, while Ukrainian troops refused to surrender at a besieged steel plant that Moscow’s invading forces sped to seize before Russia’s Victory Day holiday. The Washington-based think tank added that “the Ukrainian counteroffensive demonstrates promising Ukrainian capabilities.” However, the Ukrainian …

EU to ‘significantly increase’ military aid to Moldova
2 years, 7 months ago

EU to ‘significantly increase’ military aid to Moldova

Al Jazeera  

European Council President Michel says he backs Moldova’s bid to become an EU member state. European Council President Charles Michel has pledged to raise the European Union’s military aid to Moldova, a neighbouring country to Ukraine where tensions are rising following a series of explosions in a pro-Russia separatist region. “This year we plan to significantly increase our support to …

Embroiling Transnistria in the Russia-Ukraine War
2 years, 7 months ago

Embroiling Transnistria in the Russia-Ukraine War

The Hindu  

The story so far: As the Russia-Ukraine War completes over two months, Transnistria, the tiny breakaway region of Moldova, risks being dragged into the conflict. However, Ukrainian officials termed them as a deliberate provocation by Russia to intervene in Transnistria and Moldova while Russian officials blamed Ukraine for the attacks. There are fears in the West and in Ukraine that …

‘Should Worry About Their Own Future’: Lavrov Warns Moldova Of Being Dragged Into NATO
2 years, 7 months ago

‘Should Worry About Their Own Future’: Lavrov Warns Moldova Of Being Dragged Into NATO

News 18  

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov warned Moldova against joining NATO earlier this week during an interview with Dubai-based news agency Al Arabiya. While speaking to the news agency, Lavrov said that Moldova needs to worry about their ‘own future’. The Transnistrian officials have blamed Ukraine for the attack but Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky warned Moldova that it could be a …

Russia Could Use Transnistrian Region To Seize Southern Ukrainian Cities Odessa, Mykolaiv
2 years, 7 months ago

Russia Could Use Transnistrian Region To Seize Southern Ukrainian Cities Odessa, Mykolaiv

News 18  

The recent blasts in Moldova’s Transnistria has led to fears that Moldova could be sucked into the war in Ukraine. Similar concerns were echoed by Latvian foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics who said that the blasts reminded him of the initial weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and said that these could be ‘false flag’ operations following which Russia could …

Moldova Blasts Spark Fears That War On Ukraine Could Expand To Its Neighbours
2 years, 7 months ago

Moldova Blasts Spark Fears That War On Ukraine Could Expand To Its Neighbours

News 18  

Concerns that the Ukraine war could escalate into a wider conflict grew on Tuesday as Kyiv accused Moscow of trying to create unrest in a Russian-backed separatist region of Moldova. The claim triggered alarm that Moldova could be Russia’s next target as Moscow used the same “false flag” argument after launching its bloody invasion of Ukraine on February 24. “If …

Moldova holds urgent security meeting after Transnistria blasts
2 years, 7 months ago

Moldova holds urgent security meeting after Transnistria blasts

Al Jazeera  

Meeting of Supreme Security Council comes after series of explosions in breakaway region. Moldovan President Maia Sandu convened an urgent meeting of the country’s Supreme Security Council after two blasts damaged Soviet-era radio masts in the breakaway region of Transnistria. Earlier Tuesday, Transnistria’s interior ministry said “two explosions occurred in the village of Maiac, Grigoriopol district: the first at 6:40 …

Five things to know about Russian-backed Transnistria
2 years, 7 months ago

Five things to know about Russian-backed Transnistria

Al Jazeera  

Moldova’s president warns of an attempt to escalate tensions after several explosions at sites in the breakaway Transnistria region. The Ukrainian defence ministry called the events a “planned provocation by the Russian special services.” Moldova’s president warned they were an attempt to escalate tensions, blaming “pro-war factions” within the breakaway territory. Should Russian President Vladimir Putin decide to involve Transnistria …

How Transnistria, a small breakaway region in Moldova, poses a threat to Ukraine
2 years, 9 months ago

How Transnistria, a small breakaway region in Moldova, poses a threat to Ukraine

Firstpost  

A thin strip of land wedged between Moldova and Ukraine doesn’t officially exist — it still hasn’t been recognised as a nation by any member of the United Nations The Russia-Ukraine conflict has suddenly pushed the spotlight on to Transnistria, with many war analysts stating that the tiny strip of land, situated between Moldova and Ukraine, could play a rather …

Moldova officially applies for EU membership
2 years, 9 months ago

Moldova officially applies for EU membership

Al Jazeera  

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered fears among ex-Soviet countries that they may be next. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu said in a statement on Thursday that the country had signed “a request to join the European Union”. “While some decisions take time, others must be made quickly and decisively, and taking advantage of the opportunities that come with a changing …

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