Fugitive Moldovan oligarch launches pro‑Russian bloc in Moscow

The Moldovan oligarch, Ilan Sor, who fled the country and is pursued for massive financial embezzlements and electoral manipulations, has announced the creation of a new pro-Russian political bloc in Moscow, according to reports from Moldovan media on Sunday.

The announcement was made at a Moscow hotel event that Sor described as "unifying opposition forces." There, in the centre of Moscow, Moldova's history will be written. Critics argue that this move, supported by pro-Russian forces, suggests that Moldova's continued integration with Europe could lead to dire consequences.

The event also saw participation from Evghenia Gutul, the pro-Russian governor of the autonomous region of Gagauzia in Moldova, and Moldovan deputy Marina Tauber, known for her pro-Moscow stance. Together, they are backing this new political project named Victorie, or Pobieda in Russian, which translates to "victory."

Experts monitoring the situation in Moldova anticipate efforts to consolidate pro-Russian forces within the country in the upcoming months, especially with the presidential elections this autumn and the parliamentary elections next year. According to Chisinau authorities, Moscow aims to destabilize the country and dismantle pro-Western governments in favour of bringing Moldova closer to the EU.

Analysts believe Ilan Sor will play a pivotal role in these endeavours, having already shown his capability for underhand tactics, including manipulations and bribery of politicians and voters. Evghenii Gutul, gaining prominence in the political arena, is predicted to serve as a significant figure in leading pro-Russian efforts potentially.

Experts also speculate that, despite maintaining a cautious distance from Sor and his endeavours so far, socialists and communists with pro-Russian sentiments might eventually align with Sor's pro-Russian front in Moldova, influenced by Moscow's pressure.