Historians describe the reaction of representatives of the Russian Federation to Chisinau’s decision to ban the symbols of the military aggression in Ukraine as interference in the internal affairs of the state and an attack on the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova. According to them, the threats by representatives of the Russian diplomatic service against the President of the Republic of Moldova are inacceptable and go against the Constitution and international law, IPN reports.

Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Maria Zakharova said the Moldovan Parliament’s decision to ban the symbols of the Russian military aggression represents “real betrayal”. She threatened Maia Sandu with “painful responses” after the President said that the place of the symbols of war crimes is in the ash heap of history. Historians consider these threats are an attack on the country’s sovereignty.

“These are threats against the Republic of Moldova, which is a sovereign state. It is serious interference in the domestic policy. It is external intimidation with threatening with eventual punishment. After these threats, we realize that we will be penalized,” historian Ion Varta stated in the program “Shadow Cabinet” on JurnalTV channel.

“The Constitution provides that the Republic of Moldova is a sovereign and independent state. This means the right to adopt laws without the interference of any country. Any other approach is an attack on the sovereignty and independence and this represents fragrant and conscious violation of international law norms,” said Alexandru Arseni, a member of the Republic of Moldova’s first Parliament.

According to historian Sergiu Musteață, the Republic of Moldova should react to such threats with courage and should demand that the Russian side show respect for the internal decisions of the state.

“This is disrespect that shows that they continue to have imperialist mentality. They treat us as inferior and as a marginal region. The Republic of Moldova should show courage and should demand equal treatment. This is interference in the internal affairs of the state. Russia has nothing to do with the political decisions taken in Chisinau,” said Sergiu Musteață.

Russia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova Oleg Vasnetsov was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration to provide explanations over Russia’s threats against President Maia Sandu, which Moldova’s Ministry describe as “unconstructive and unacceptable rhetoric of an official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation referring to the President of the Republic of Moldova.”