Gagauzia, the other pro-Russian thorn in Moldova’s side
Sébastian SEIBT
Highlights: Moldova is seen as a target of Russian destabilization operations. Moscow especially has its sights set on a part of Moldovan territory, Transnistria. But it is Gagauzia that has attracted more media attention in recent days. The Russian decision to exploit the situation is not surprising, according to experts in Russia and Moldova. The former Soviet republic is wedged between Romania and Ukraine and does not benefit from NATO protection.. Among the 135,000 inhabitants of the region, most are Turkish- Orthodox Christians. Almost a third of the population holds Russian nationality.
Could Gagauzia become a second Transnistria? This is what one might think after the governor of this small region of Moldova received assurances from Moscow to support her...
As if the independence aspirations of Transnistria were not enough for Moldova's misfortunes. For more than a week, another region of this small landlocked country between Ukraine and Romania has added a pro-Russian thorn in Chisinau's side: Gagauzia.
Indeed, since February 2022 and the Russian offensive in Ukraine, the fate of Moldova has become a source of concern. This former Soviet republic, wedged between Romania and Ukraine (and which does not benefit from NATO protection) is seen as a target of Russian destabilization operations.
Moscow especially has its sights set on a part of Moldovan territory, Transnistria, which has escaped its sovereignty since the disintegration of the USSR in 1991. Since then, a Russian army corps has been stationed there. But it is Gagauzia that has attracted more media attention in recent days. Evgenia Gutul, the baskan (governor) of Gagauzia since July 2023, was very officially invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the World Youth Festival in Sochi, which ended on March 7.