Since the start of the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the world’s attention focused on the events taking place on the territory of Ukraine. Recently, the world community paid special attention also to the Republic of Moldova, given that a series of diversions have been witnessed in the Transnistrian region. Ahead of the Victory in Europe Day that is celebrated on May 8 (when Nazi Germany capitulated) and the Victory Day that is marked in the Russian Federation and other post-Soviet states that are in the sphere of influence of Moscow, Europe and the world devote special attention to the events that happen in the Republic of Moldova. These aspects were discussed by the participants in a public discussion entitled “Moldova in the zone of special attention” that was staged at IPN by the Global Policy Institute of Ukraine and the Department of Political Science and Public Administration of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University.
Promo-LEX Association executive director Ion Manole, who moderated the event, said that the dramatic events witnessed in Ukraine as a result of the Russian Federation’s aggression generated discussions about the risks to the Republic of Moldova’s security. As this fact is rather worrisome, a difference should be made between the news items and messages with provocative content and the real ones in the current context.
Director of the Institute of World Policy Eugene Magda, PhD in Political Science, said that stagnation in a process of transition to democracy is one of the common problems of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. During the 30 years, none of the two countries could become a member state of the European Union, NATO. Ukraine is extremely interested in a democratic and stable Republic of Moldova as it cannot cope with a new front. This is not yet the case of Russia, which is maximally interested in internationalizing the conflict and in showing that it “can more”. “The suppositions that Ukraine, for particular reasons, could enter the territory of the Transnistrian region seem to be part of Russian propaganda,” stated Eugene Magda. He noted that Ukraine and Moldova should model the relations in the same way as in the EU, by combining forces for common goals.
University professor Simion Roșca, of the Police Academy “Ștefan cel Mare”, said there are Moldovan citizens who support the war in Ukraine and this is surprising, but it is probably the result of propaganda. A group of “the State Duma of Russia” has existed in Moldova’s Parliament for years. Nowhere in the world does a parliamentary group go to Moscow for discussions and for receiving instructions after elections. Something like this in a democratic country is inadmissible. This is a negative phenomenon that affects the path to democracy. “The Republic of Moldova is in a very delicate situation. We are a very small country with about 3 million people and a small army. And we see attempts to engage this small country in the war,”, stated Simion Roșca.
The president of the Experts for Security and Global Affairs Association Angela Gramada said the events witnessed now in the Republic of Moldova should have been analyzed and monitored long ago. Ukraine indeed does not need an unstable Moldova. “I would also draw attention to the way in which the authorities communicate these destabilization actions. The authorities in Chisinau communicated very well, through the agency of Missis President, after the meeting of the Supreme Security Council, but made a mistake in the case of the other public institutions as these didn’t address the population to tell them that it is not the moment to get into a panic and to become worried and that information and details would appear in the nearest future. I would like the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Defense to ensure greater coordination in communication and not to amplify those frustrations of the inhabitants of the Republic of Moldova, including of Moldova’s eastern districts, by their absence from the public sphere,” said Angela Gramada.
Political researcher Marin Gherman, director of the NGO Institute of Political Studies and Social Capital, said there is not too much optimism as, from geopolitical viewpoint, the Republic of Moldova is nothing but a continuation of Ukraine. If the Russian soldiers hadn’t met with such a big resistance on the territory of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova would have been brought under Russia’s control by military and nonmilitary ways. It goes to the financing of pro-Russian parties, the attempt to reanimate Russian TV channels. Moldova’s security now depends on the heroism of the armed forces of Ukraine, on the support received by Ukraine, on the resistance put up by Odessa etc.
Note: IPN News Agency gives the right of reply to persons who consider they were touched by the news items produced based on statements of the organizers of the given public discussion, including by facilitating the organization of another press event in similar conditions.
