Gagauzia and Transnistria: Moldova's regions lean towards Russia

Moldova, a small country aspiring to join the European Union, is divided by a conflict with the Kremlin. Another region of the country has made official declarations, opting to establish permanent cooperation with Putin's state. "With Russia, we can have much more than with anyone else" - stated the leader of Gagauzia, Evgenia Gutsul.

Since June last year, Evgenia Guțul has been leading the Autonomous Territory of Gagauzia, situated in Moldova's southern part and home to the Gagauz people. Holding the office of bashkan, equivalent to a governor, and being a member of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Moldova, the politician openly shows her pro-Russian sympathies.

Guțul, a member of the Sor party, which favors Russia, clearly states she and her colleagues seek "friendship with the Russian Federation". Reuters reported that Gagauzia's representative met with the chairman of the Russian parliament's upper chamber in Moscow and voiced complaints about her country's government. She accused it of violating human rights in her region and requested the initiation of direct flights from her region to Moscow.

On Wednesday, a similar loyalty declaration, under the guise of needing aid, was announced by Transnistria, a Russian-speaking region in the east, which separated from Chisinau's control during the Soviet Union's collapse. A Russian military garrison is presently stationed in the autonomous republic of Transnistria.

Maia Sandu, the President of Moldova, aiming for her country to join the European community and the NATO alliance, claims Russia is leveraging Transnistria to pressure Chisinau. Moldova is bracing for a potential assault by Vladimir Putin.

"The current Moldovan authorities are endeavoring to sever ties with Russia, but our people will not be misled. We are bound by historic ties, a partnership that was and will continue to be advantageous. Our farmers are eager to market their produce in Russia," explained Evgenia Guțul in Moscow.

Source: Reuters