Russian missiles are landing less than 100 miles from Moldova Border. Last month, a mysterious explosion shook the headquarters of a security agency in a Russian-backed separatist outskirts. The economic crisis is imminent. And Russian generals threatened to extend the war in Ukraine to the Moldovan border.
Unlike other western neighbors who are receiving Ukrainian refugees, Moldova is not a member state of the European Union and does not have the resources necessary for Block to contain and absorb the rapid flow of asylum seekers.Still, Moldova accepts more Ukrainian refugees per capita than anything else EU member statesIn the midst of a crisis that aroused concerns that a small Southeastern European country could be the first place for spillover violence from Ukraine.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Beast, Moldova’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu called on the United States and the EU to pay more attention to Moldova’s struggle to maintain the country’s economy and security. He called for “flexible and prompt assistance to Ukraine’s most vulnerable neighbors.”
Because the first Russian bomb fell on a Ukrainian city Odesa On February 24, Moldova, a country of about 2.6 million people, accepted more than 400,000 refugees fleeing the devastating war of Vladimir Putin. Most will pass to other countries, but about 100,000 remain. Ukrainians who escaped the violence against Moldova received a warm welcome. Volunteers were waiting for refugees with homemade food, friendly hugs, and accommodation in private homes. However, it is resource-intensive.
Unlike Germany, which has an average monthly income of about 3,900 euros, Moldovans earn about 500 euros a month. It is an agricultural country with an economy that relies heavily on the export of fruits and vegetables to Russia through Ukraine, and trade is currently closed by the war next door. Prices for food, clothing and gasoline rose dramatically during the 77-day war.
In addition, Moldova was recently shaken by a series of mysterious explosions on the isolated territory of Transnistoria, the base of about 1,500 Russian soldiers. “We were deeply worried,” Popeskt said. “There are different scenarios, threats, and risks.”
Ukrainian refugees waiting to cross the border on April 9.
Ukrainian refugees waiting to cross the border on April 9.
Matte Oplacucci via Getty / Nur Photo
Just days before the explosion, Russia’s senior commander, Rustam Minekaev, talked about linking Moldova’s separatist territories with Ukraine’s occupied Russian-occupied territories along the Black Sea, essentially suggesting an expansion of the conflict into Moldova. It is still unknown who was behind the rocket-propelled grenade attacks on Transnistoria’s security service headquarters and several Soviet-era radio towers. Moldova’s reformist president, Maia Sandu, accused the attack of “trying to lure the Republic of Moldova into actions that could jeopardize peace.”
Authorities say there is no imminent risk of the expansion of Russia’s war, but fears that Moldova could change to the next Ukraine are certainly reaching the public. The country already has internally displaced persons and is moving west due to possible attacks. Thousands have moved since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Popesque told The Daily Beast.
Ukrainian refugees will be accepted after reuniting on April 12 on their way back to Ukraine along the border between Ukraine and Moldova.
Ukrainian refugees hug after reuniting on April 12 on their way back to Ukraine along the border between Ukraine and Moldova.
Christoph Alkanbalt via Getty / AFP
Moldova also faces internal political divisions. According to a study conducted by the CBS Research Institute with the support of the Moldova Strategic Initiative Institute, only 40% of the population believes that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was not triggered, and 23% of Moldovans are Russia. Accepting the justification of the war. Moscow protects the Donbus area.
Vladimir Soloviev, the founder of Moldova’s media outlet newsmaker, said Moldova’s problems were rapidly “stacking” and the West said, “Moldova has virtually no army and its safety threats are enormous. Yes, there is an economic crisis. “
Czech Prime Minister says Putin will create a new Soviet Union if he doesn’t stop him now
Moldova has allies in Europe. The European Parliament has adopted a resolution welcoming the application for membership in Moldova, signed by President Sandu earlier this year. But all applications take time. “Our intelligence agency, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economy, the police, and all single Moldovan agencies are the most vigilant,” Popesque said.
“Our society strongly votes for independence, democracy and joining the European Union as soon as possible,” the Minister told The Daily Beast. “The absolute majority of Moldovan citizens, and the people of Transnistoria, want peace. We hear from Russia — some ideas for rebuilding the Soviet Union. But the Soviet Union is dead. increase.”
For more information, see The Daily Beast.
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