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☆ Ukraine says it cracked open a Russian decoy drone used to fool air defenses and found Western parts inside
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-11 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ukraine said Monday that Russia has been using decoy drones to try and overwhelm its air defenses. Ukraine said it examined a Russian decoy drone and found Western-made parts inside of it. AdvertisementThe Ukrainian military said on Monday that it found Western-made parts inside a Russian decoy drone that was used in an attack over the weekend. However, the decoy drone — which Ukraine calls "Parody" — can apparently mimic the radar signature of a Shahed in a bid to confuse Kyiv's air defenses with fake targets. AdvertisementA look inside a Russian decoy drone.

Persons: —, HUR, Mihai Popșoi Organizations: Monday, Service, Defense Intelligence, Ministry of Defense, Ukraine, Telegram Russia, Getty Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, NATO, Europe, Iran, Tehran, Belarus, Moldovan

☆ A worsening kind of Russian warfare was on display in the US presidential election, but it's a much bigger problem
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-09 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Russia's hybrid warfare tactics against the US and Europe are reaching new levels. AdvertisementRussian disinformation and interference — hybrid warfare tactics — are on the rise and again showed up in the US presidential election, but this is a problem for more than just America. Russian tactics were on full display in the 2024 US presidential election. AdvertisementMore than an American problemThis hybrid warfare is a broader problem for other Western countries, too. Moldova's pro-EU incumbent president, Maia Sandu, won reelection despite Russian efforts to sway the election.

Persons: —, Mark Rutte, Clinton, Mikhail Svetlov, it's, Doug Livermore, Donald Trump, Lev Radin, Trump, Livermore, Russia's, Maia Sandu, Daniel MIHAILESCU, Harris, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, aren't Organizations: Service, NATO, FBI, State, intel, Getty, Irregular Warfare, National Intelligence Council, US intel, Infrastructure Security Agency, Ukraine, Moldovan, Union, Xinhua News Agency Locations: Europe, Russia, Moscow, Russian, Washington, China, Iran, US, Republic of Georgia's, France, Germany, AFP, Beijing, North Korea, America

☆ Moldova election: Putin’s latest meddling effort failed. It’s unlikely to stop him trying again
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-04 | by ( Clare Sebastian | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

According to Moldova’s Central election commission, with 100% of votes counted, Sandu had 55% of the total. Its leader, a regular visitor to Russia, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in March. In his congratulatory note to Sandu Monday, US President Joe Biden declared “Russia failed” in its attempt to undermine Moldova’s democracy. Meanwhile, Ukraine is breathing a sigh of relief at the results of Moldova’s election. If Russia’s gains turn from tactical to strategic, Moldova faces a threat much bigger than election interference.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Sandu, Alexandr Stoianoglu, Konstantin Kosachev, Andrey Klishas, “, ”, Vadim Ghirda, Vladimir Putin, Joe Biden, Vladislav Culiomza, Volodymyr Zelensky Organizations: CNN, EU, Moldova’s, Moldovan, Kremlin, European Union, AP, “ Russia, Reuters Locations: Moscow, Russia, Moldova, Russian, Chisinau, upending, Ciopleni, AP Russia, Transnistria, Ukraine, Donbas, Moldova’s, Gagauzia, Sandu, EU, Georgia, trepidation, Romanian

☆ Moldova’s pro-Western president wins 2nd term in runoff overshadowed by Russian meddling claims
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-03 | by ( Associated Press | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won a second term in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race that was overshadowed by claims of Russian interference, voter fraud, and intimidation in the European Union candidate country. Today, you have saved Moldova!” Sandu said after claiming victory after midnight. Moldova’s large diaspora, which cast ballots in record numbers of more than 325,000 voted, heavily in favor of Sandu in the runoff. The presidential role carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security and has a four-year term. But the results of the ballots including Sunday’s vote were overshadowed by allegations of a major vote-buying scheme and voter intimidation.

Persons: — Moldova’s, Maia Sandu, Sandu, Alexandr Stoianoglo, ” Sandu, Stoianoglo, ”, “, Ursula von der Leyen, you’ve, Stanislav Secrieru, Secrieru, Dorin Recean, Vladislav Culiomza, Silviana Zestrea, Ilan Shor, oligarch, Shor, Father Vasilii, it’s, Cristian Cantir, ” Savlina, Stringer Organizations: Western, European Union, Central Electoral Commission, CEC, Russia Party of Socialists, “, Sunday, Moldovan, Northampton, Reuters, ”, EU, Police, Associated Press, Oakland University, AP, ” Moldovan Locations: CHISINAU, Moldova, Russia, “ Moldova, Sandu, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Frankfurt, Germany, Liverpool, Soviet, Chisinau, Bucharest, Comrat, Gagauzia, EU, European, Ukraine, Brussels, Moscow

☆ How Russian ‘dirty money’ risks rigging this European country’s presidential election
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-02 | by ( Christian Edwards | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

If other Kremlin-friendly parties swing their support behind him, the second round will be extremely close. Both the Kremlin and Shor have denied interference, but Moldovan officials have warned the second vote could also be targeted by similar schemes. He has called for a “reset” of relations with Moscow and said he would be willing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, while maintaining he is committed to joining the EU. As a result, his platform is a mix of contradictory policies, said Samurokov: “You either support European integration, or you want to promote cooperation with Moscow. Evgenia Novozhenina/ReutersStill, Moldovan officials are braced for a second round of voting marred by pro-Russian meddling.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Sandu, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Sandu –, Moscow –, Stoianoglo, Vladislav Culiomza, Reuters Sandu, Valeriu Pasha, Ilan Shor, Shor, ” Maksim Samorukov, Sandu’s, ”, Vladimir Putin, Evgenia Novozhenina, ” Pasha, Volodymyr Zelensky, “ Organizations: CNN, European Union, EU, Russian Party of Socialists, World Bank, Moscow, Reuters, Reuters Analysts, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, Communist Locations: Soviet, Europe, Moldova, European, Ukraine, Harvard, Chisinau, Russian, Russia, Moscow, Transnistria, Georgian, ”, Georgia

☆ Moldova leader decries vote meddling after slim majority backs joining the E.U.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-21 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Stoianoglo has said that, if elected, he would build a “balanced” foreign policy involving ties with the EU, the United States, Russia and China. In the run-up to Sunday’s referendum, polls had shown clear majority support for joining the EU. A “yes” result means a clause will be added to the constitution defining EU accession as a goal. The EU leapt to Sandu’s defence, saying Moldova had faced “really unprecedented intimidation and foreign interference by Russia and its proxies ahead of this vote”. The tight referendum result could put Sandu in a weaker position going into the second round since she has championed EU integration.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Sandu, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Stoianoglo, Daniel Mihailescu, ”, “, Ilan Shor, Sandu’s, Shor, Valeriu Pasha, — Organizations: EU, Getty, Kremlin, Sandu, Moldovan, ”, Facebook Locations: Soviet, Russia, United States, China, Moldovan, Chisinau, AFP, Ukraine, Transdniestria, Moldova, Moscow, Sunday’s

☆ Russia and Europe tussle for Moldova, as just over 50% vote 'yes' on future EU membership
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-21 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Moldovan citizens living in Moscow are seen queuing to vote at a polling station during the 2024 Moldovan elections in Moscow, Russia on October 20, 2024. Moldovans headed to the polls on Sunday for a presidential election and a referendum on EU membership with the votes being held under the shadow of the ongoing struggle between the West and Russia over Moldova. Moldova's political destiny was hanging in the balance on Monday after key votes on whether to embrace a future with Europe, or to remain within Russia's orbit. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, it has seesawed between pro-Russia and pro-Europe governments, such as President Sandu's current administration. Formal talks on joining the bloc already began in June, but the — non-legally binding — referendum of Sunday was seen as cementing Moldova's pro-EU trajectory.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Sandu's Organizations: West, European Union, Moldova's, Commission, CNBC, Russia Locations: Moscow, Russia, Moldova, Europe, Soviet, Ukraine, Romania, Soviet Union

☆ Moldova’s EU referendum hangs in balance as president Sandu condemns ‘assault’ on democracy
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-21 | by ( Christian Edwards | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Moldova’s crucial referendum on joining the European Union is too close to call, partial results showed Monday, as President Maia Sandu condemned an “unprecedented assault” on the country’s democracy. With just over 1.4% of ballots still to be counted, 50.2% had voted “yes” in the referendum, according to the country’s Central Election Commission. The tight margin would come as a blow to Sandu, who had been hoping for a clear endorsement of the pro-EU path she has charted during her first presidential term. Vadim Ghirda/APCNN reported last week on the efforts of a Kremlin-linked network, spearheaded by the exiled Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, to buy votes in Moldova, aiming to sway the results of the EU referendum. If other pro-Russian parties and voters throw their support behind Stoianoglo, the November 3 run-off could be extremely tight.

Persons: CNN —, Maia Sandu, Sandu, ” Sandu, Vadim Ghirda, Ilan Shor, Shor, Alexandr Stoianoglo – Organizations: CNN, European, Commission, EU, Moldovan, AP CNN, Russian Party of Socialists Locations: European Union, Soviet, Hrusevo, Moldova

☆ Moldova faces a tug of war between Russia and the West in two crucial votes
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-18 | by ( Christian Edwards | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CNN —Voters in Moldova will cast their ballots Sunday in two crucial votes, which have been billed as the most consequential in the country’s post-Soviet history. Alongside a more sophisticated misinformation campaign, Shor has resorted to cruder methods to meddle with Moldovan politics. Home to a Romanian-speaking majority and large Russian-speaking minority, many Moldovans had long viewed Russia as a benign big brother. “It reflects the loss of the national allure of Russia in Moldovan society,” he said. “There’s limits (to what can be achieved).”But even if Sandu prevails in both the presidential vote and the EU referendum, he expects the Kremlin’s campaign to continue.

Persons: Ilan Shor, Shor, ”, Dumitru Doru, Maia Sandu –, –, She’s, ” Vadim Pistrinciuc, Maia Sandu, Ursula von der Leyen, Elena Covalenco, Sandu, Nicu Popescu, Moldova’s, ” Popescu, “ Moldova can’t, ‘, Sandu’s, Daniel Mihailescu, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Stoianoglo, Maksim Samorukov, ” Samorukov, “, Viorel Cernauteanu, ” Cernauteanu, Dmitry Peskov, Pistrinciuc, ” Pistrinciuc, Lenin, Peter Dench, Samorukov Organizations: CNN — Voters, eventual, Union, Kremlin, Authorities, Western, World Bank, Party, Action, Solidarity, Communist, Institute for Strategic Initiatives, CNN, Getty, European Council, Foreign Relations, Gazprom, “, CBS, AXA, Russian Party of Socialists, EU, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, Reuters Locations: Moldova, Russian, Moldovan, Russia, Chisinau, Shutterstock Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, Transnistria, Soviet Union, Harvard, Romanian, Odesa, Moldova’s, Europe, AFP, Western Europe, Gazprom, “ Moldova, Bardar, ”, Moscow, Tiraspol

☆ Biden admin says RT and Russian state media are waging covert information warfare around the world
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Dan De Luce | Dan De Luce Is A Reporter For The Nbc News Investigative Unit. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

“RT wants its new covert intelligence capabilities, like its longstanding propaganda and disinformation efforts, to remain hidden,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters. On Friday, State Department officials sought to highlight Russia’s information operations around the world. Through proxy media outlets that purport to be independent, Russia is disseminating information to back its invasion of Ukraine, officials said. The Biden administration is imposing sanctions on a state-funded broadcaster that oversees the RT outlet, TV-Novosti, another state media company, Rossiya Segodnya, and its director Dmitry Kiselyov, officials said. Russian state-funded media was also targeted for sanctions for allegedly funneling money into Moldova under the guise of humanitarian aid “to buy votes to influence the upcoming Moldovan elections,” officials said.

Persons: Antony Blinken, ”, James Rubin, Rubin, RT, Biden, Rossiya Segodnya, Dmitry Kiselyov, “ Organizations: RT, Ukraine, State Department, State, Global, Department, Novosti Locations: South America, Europe, Africa, U.S, Ukraine, America, Russian, China, Russia, Germany, Berlin, France, Paris, Argentina, Moldova, Washington

☆ Andrew Tate’s defamation lawsuit against human trafficking accuser can proceed, judge says
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-25 | by ( Associated Press | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (AP) — A judge says controversial social media personality Andrew Tate’s defamation lawsuit against a Florida woman who accused him of imprisoning her in Romania can move forward, but he threw out Tate’s allegations against her parents and some allegations against the woman. Romanian officials indicted the Tates last year, saying the brothers forced seven victims into pornography and subjected them to physical violence. Her attorneys say the lawsuit is in retribution for her reporting him to authorities. Curley dismissed the Tates’ accusations that the woman’s parents defamed them when they told American diplomatic officials about their daughter’s allegations. Attorneys for the Tates and the woman each said Curley’s decision was a win for their side.

Persons: —, Andrew Tate’s, Joseph Curley, Tristan, Curley, ” Curley, Joseph McBride, Judge Curley’s, Andrew, Tristan Tate’s, ”, Dani Pinter, Andrew Tate Organizations: Circuit, Associated Press, Tate, National Center, Sexual, Britain, Prosecutors, YouTube, Facebook, BBC Locations: Fort Lauderdale , Florida, Florida, Romania, Palm Beach, American, Moldovan, Great Britain, United States, Britain

☆ Ukraine, Moldova and the EU begin formal negotiations. But neither country will join the bloc soon
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( Luke Mcgee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X: “Congratulations to Moldova and Ukraine on opening accession negotiations. This is very good news for the people of Ukraine, Moldova, and the entire European Union. There are 35 chapters in total, all of which must be agreed by all negotiating parties, including the 27 EU member states. Expanding the bloc to the east of Europe will have consequences for the rest of the EU member states. Perhaps more importantly, accepting Ukraine and Moldova to the bloc would mean adding around 40 million new EU citizens from Eastern Europe.

Persons: Ursula von der Leyen, Viktor Orban, Orban Organizations: CNN, European Union, Soviet, EU, Ukraine Locations: Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, Hungary, Hungarian, Moldovan, Transnistria, Europe, Poland, Eastern Europe, Western

☆ Two beluga whales evacuated from Ukraine arrive in Spain
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Jack Guy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Two beluga whales have been rescued from the besieged city of Kharkiv in Ukraine and taken to an aquarium in Valencia, Spain, in a complex operation. A multinational team involving marine mammal care experts from Oceanogràfic de Valencia, the largest oceanarium in Europe; Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta; and SeaWorld were involved in the high-risk journey. The pair of belugas – a 15-year-old male named Plombir and a 14-year-old female called Miranda – arrived in “delicate health” Tuesday evening after a “grueling journey,” according to Georgia Aquarium. “The city is facing increasing threat from artillery fire, which has intensified in recent weeks, with bombs dropping within a few hundred meters of the aquarium,” Georgia Aquarium said in a press release. The journey began Monday when the team first removed the whales from Ukraine’s NEMO Dolphinarium and drove them 12 hours from Kharkiv to Odesa.

Persons: Oceanogràfic de, Miranda –, Ukraine’s NEMO Dolphinarium, “, ”, Keith Yip Organizations: CNN, Oceanogràfic, Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld Locations: Kharkiv, Ukraine, Valencia, Spain, Oceanogràfic de Valencia, Europe, Georgia, Atlanta, Ukraine’s, Russia, Russian, Odesa, Moldova, Moldovan, Chisinau

☆ Witness in Menendez trial describes setting up mortgage payment and consulting job for senator’s girlfriend-turned-wife
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Sabrina Souza | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Menendez and Hana – as well as the other co-defendant, New Jersey real estate developer Fred Daibes – have pleaded not guilty. Moldovan said Nadine Menendez was “upset and offended” that Hana had a lawyer formalize the loan with a promissory note. Moldovan testified that he rarely did anything without Hana’s approval. Nadine Menendez never signed the IS EG job agreement, according to Moldovan. On cross-examination, the senator’s attorney, Avi Weitzman, asked Moldovan if Nadine Menendez ever mentioned she was dating the senator, to which he testified she did not.

Persons: CNN — Sen, Bob Menendez’s, New Jersey Democrat’s, Menendez, –, Wael Hana, Menendez’s, Hana, Fred Daibes, Hana –, Fred Daibes –, Nadine, John Moldovan, Nadine Menendez, “, Avi Weitzman, Daibes, CNN’s Gregory Krieg Organizations: CNN, New, FBI, State Department, EG, Moldovan, Strategic International Business Consultants Locations: New Jersey, New York, Egyptian American, Qatar

☆ Loan or Bribe? Menendez Jurors Hear About $23,568 Mortgage Payoff.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Tracey Tully | Benjamin Weiser | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Senator Robert Menendez’s soon-to-be wife dropped a lot of names during a 2019 meeting she held with a lawyer who later paid off the delinquent mortgage on her Englewood Cliffs, N.J., home, saving it from foreclosure. But Mr. Menendez’s name was not one of them, the lawyer, John Moldovan, testified on Tuesday in the second week of the senator’s federal bribery trial in Manhattan. Mr. Moldovan said he was later instructed by his boss, Wael Hana, the owner of a New Jersey-based halal meat certification company, to pay $23,568.54 to a lender that held the mortgage on the home owned by Nadine Menendez, who married the senator in 2020. Mr. Hana never brought up the senator’s name either, Mr. Moldovan testified. “Never mentioned his name once to me,” Mr. Moldovan said during cross-examination by Mr. Menendez’s lawyer, Avi Weitzman.

Persons: Robert Menendez’s, John Moldovan, Moldovan, Wael Hana, Nadine Menendez, Hana, “, ” Mr, Menendez’s, Avi Weitzman Locations: Englewood, N.J, Manhattan, New Jersey

☆ Moldova Is a Cautionary Tale for Ukraine - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Paula Erizanu | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

But it would clearly involve freezing the conflict, resigning Ukraine’s occupied territory to Russia in exchange for an end to the fighting. A small western neighbor of Ukraine, Moldova experienced Russia’s first post-Soviet war of aggression, which ended with a cease-fire agreement in 1992. The case shows that Russia simply cannot be trusted. Anyone calling for Ukraine to settle for one should heed Moldova’s cautionary tale. Russia stopped providing Moldova with gas, leaving people in cities to freeze in their apartments and cook their food outside on bonfires.

Persons: Pope Francis, Ukraine’s, Russia’s Organizations: Russian Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Moldovan, Russian, Transnistria, Moscow

☆ Russia seems to be using its Ukraine playbook to destabilize another European state, experts warn
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-22 | by ( Ella Sherman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewSome of Russia's recent behavior in parts of Moldova has some experts sounding alarm bells, warning some of it looks similar to destabilizing activities before the invasion of Ukraine. Russia has accused Ukraine of drone striking a military base in Russian-occupied Moldova as pro-Russian figures seems to be actively destabilize the Moldovan government from within. Leading up to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the government fought Russian separatists in the Donbas region. They eventually helped secure territory in the region for Russia, which later illegally put them under Russian control. AdvertisementAnd Moldovan officials recognize the danger as Russia increases pressure.

Persons: —, Maria Zakharova, Alexander Shcherba, DANIEL MIHAILESCU, ISW, Putin, Mihai Popsoi Organizations: Service, Business, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Supreme, for, Moldovan, Russian 14th Army, Getty, Ukraine, country's Intelligence, Security Services, AP Locations: Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Moldovan, Moldova's Transnistria, Transnistria, Russian, Washington, Chisinau, AFP, Russian Moldovan, Soviet, Donbas

☆ France and Moldova to Sign Defence and Economic Accords on Thursday, Paris Says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( March | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

PARIS (Reuters) - Moldova and France will sign defence and economic cooperation accords during a visit by Moldovan President Maia Sandu to Paris on Thursday, the French presidency said in a statement. Western powers are seeking to increase support for Moldova amid what they fear are increasing efforts by Russia to destabilise Moldova. In parallel to Sandu's visit, Western states will hold an audio call hosted by France to discuss increasing support for Ukraine, but also Moldova. To Ukraine's west, fellow former Soviet republic Moldova has a tiny defence budget and has long had tense relations with Moscow. It added that a defence cooperation agreement and a road map for cooperation in the economic field would be signed during the visit.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Macron, Sandu, John Irish, Kevin Liffey Organizations: PARIS, Moldovan, European Locations: Moldova, France, Paris, Russia, destabilise Moldova, Ukraine, Soviet, Moscow, Transdniestria, Republic of Moldova, Moldovan, European Chisinau

☆ Russia can't reach a pro-Russian region in Moldova easily — but there are ways it can cause trouble
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Mikhail Svetlov/Getty ImagesMoscow is continuing its saber-rattling over the pro-Russian region of Transnistria in Moldova, and analysts are saying that while Russian authorities would find it hard to physically reach the breakaway region to annex it, there are still ways it can stir up pro-Russian unrest — and trouble for Moldova. All U.N. members consider the region to be part of Moldova, which has expressed a desire to reintegrate the region. Similarly to Ukraine, Moldova has a pro-Western government and wants to join the European Union. Problematically for Russia, Moldova and Transnistria are landlocked, sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine. CNBC has asked the Kremlin to comment on concerns that Moscow could look to destabilize Moldova and is awaiting a response.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Svetlov, Russia, Problematically, it's, Ian Bremmer, doesn't, Maia Sandu, Putin, Sergei Lavrov, Abdoulaye Diop, Maxim Shipenkov, Lavrov, Bogdan Tudor Organizations: Getty, Moldovan, Kremlin, Russia's Defense Ministry, European Union, Eurasia Group, Gazprom, Western, CNBC, Foreign Affairs, Cooperation of, Reuters, Russian, West, RIA Novosti, Google, Russian Federation, Institute for, EU, Afp Locations: Kremlin, Moscow, Russian, Transnistria, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Moldovan, Romania, Cooperation of Mali, Reuters Russia, Central Asia, USSR, Sochi, Donetsk, Luhansk, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Georgia

☆ A breakaway region in Europe is asking Russia for protection. Here’s what to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Christian Edwards | Anna Chernova | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

No country officially recognizes Transnistria, where Russia has kept a steadily dwindling military presence for decades, now standing at around 1,500 troops. Before Wednesday, the congress’ most recent meeting was in 2006, when it passed a referendum calling to join Russia. When Transnistrian politicians unexpectedly announced a new meeting, analysts suggested this could lead to fresh calls for unification with Russia. Russia’s war in Ukraine has had a profound effect on Transnistria’s economy. Minzarari said the dispute had created opportunities for Russian authorities to “fish in troubled waters.”Why is Russia interested in Moldova?

Persons: Vladimir Putin, ”, Daniel Voda, “, Maia Sandu, Dumitru Minzarari, ” Minzarari, Minzarari, Gen, Rustam Minnekaev, Lenin, Anton Polyakov, Putin, Vadim Kranoselsky, ” Ben Dubow Organizations: CNN —, European Union, Kremlin, Novosti, Moldova’s, Transnistria’s, Deputies, Russia, Moldovan, Russia’s, Ministry, CNN, EU, Carnegie Endowment, International, Baltic Defense College, Military Region, Institute for, RIA Novosti, Center for Locations: Moldova, Transnistria, Soviet Union, Ukraine, Moscow, Soviet, Moldovan, Russia, Tiraspol, Odesa, Maj, Kherson, Russian, US, Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kyiv, Transnistrian

☆ Estonia thwarts ‘shadow war’ attack, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas tells CNN
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Jim Sciutto | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Estonia has thwarted a Russian-directed influence operation on its territory, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has told CNN. The Estonian Internal Security Service arrested 10 individuals, including both Russian and Estonian nationals. “There’s a shadow war going on against our societies,” Prime Minister Kallas told CNN. “The aim of Russia’s influence operations is to influence our democratic decision making. The Kremlin is also directly involved in shaping Russian influence operations in neighboring countries, according to Presidential Administration documents leaked last year.

Persons: Kaja Kallas, Kallas, ” Kallas Organizations: CNN, Estonian, Estonian Internal Security Service, ”, Intelligence, SVR, Administration, Moldovan, NATO, European Union Locations: Estonia, Russian, Russia, –, NATO, Europe, Baltic States, Moldova

☆ Second Man Jailed in Moldova's 'Fraud of the Century'
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - A Moldovan court jailed a banker for 10 years on Monday, the second man to be sentenced in connection with the ex-Soviet state's "fraud of the century" in which $1 billion was removed from the banking system and taken out of the country. The country's anti-corruption prosecutor announced the sentence handed down on Viorel Birca in connection with the 2014-2015 fraud on charges of mass fraud and "acting in the interests of a criminal group". Moldova's Constitutional Court subsequently outlawed a political party bearing his name. The fraud case continues to reverberate in Moldova's politics a decade after the events. Moldova's parliament last month dismissed central bank chief Octavian Armasu for failing to act to recover the money lost in the scandal.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Birca, Ilan Shor, Shor, Maia Sandu's, Vlad Plahotniuc, Octavian Armasu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Stephen Coates Organizations: Moldovan, Journalists, Prosecutors, Banca de Economii, Birca Locations: Soviet, Moldova, Israel, Northern Cyprus

☆ Moldovan Negotiator Rules Out Moscow Role in Solving Separatist Issue
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Serebrian made his comments on national radio as Moldova's pro-European government pressed ahead with its drive to secure European Union membership. "Returning to that format for a peaceful settlement depends on improved relations between Moscow and Kyiv," he said. Prime Minister Dorin Recean on Saturday announced in a video presentation that Cristina Gherasimov, previously foreign ministry secretary of state, would serve as European integration minister and chief negotiator in negotiations on EU membership. Gherasimov will also head a new European Integration Bureau dedicated to proceeding with those talks. Her appointment, and that of new Foreign Minister Mihail Popsoi, followed the resignation last week of Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Oleg Serebrian, Serebrian, Maia Sandu, Russia's, Transdniestria, Dorin Recean, Cristina Gherasimov, Gherasimov, Mihail Popsoi, Nicu Popescu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Leslie Adler Organizations: European Union, European Affairs, EU, Saturday, Integration Bureau Locations: Russian, Russia, Ukraine, United States, Moscow, Kyiv, Romania, Moldova

☆ Moldova Denounces New Russian Ban on Fruit Imports
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Dec. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - Pro-European authorities in Moldova on Friday dismissed as groundless a ban imposed by Russia on imports of its fruit and vegetables, the latest display of deteriorating relations between Moscow and the ex-Soviet state. Russia's farm goods oversight agency, Rosselkhoznadzor, said on Thursday it was reinstating restrictions last imposed in 2022. It cited "continuous, systematic observation of elements subject to quarantine" and said Moldovan authorities had taken no action to right the situation. "The decision by the Russian authorities contradicts phytosanitary principles and is in no way grounded in real arguments," it said in a statement. We ship to 28 countries," Iurie Fala, Executive Director of the Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, told Reuters.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, ANSA, Maia Sandu, Sergei Lavrov, Lavrov, Fala, Alexander Tanas, Ronald Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: Moldovan, European Union, Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, Reuters Locations: Moldova, Russia, Moscow, Soviet, Ukraine, Romania, Russian

☆ Moldova denounces new Russian ban on fruit imports
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCHISINAU, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Pro-European authorities in Moldova on Friday dismissed as groundless a ban imposed by Russia on imports of its fruit and vegetables, the latest display of deteriorating relations between Moscow and the ex-Soviet state. Russia's farm goods oversight agency, Rosselkhoznadzor, said on Thursday it was reinstating restrictions last imposed in 2022. It cited "continuous, systematic observation of elements subject to quarantine" and said Moldovan authorities had taken no action to right the situation. "The decision by the Russian authorities contradicts phytosanitary principles and is in no way grounded in real arguments," it said in a statement. We ship to 28 countries," Iurie Fala, Executive Director of the Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, told Reuters.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Maia Sandu, Charles Michel, Valentyn, ANSA, Sergei Lavrov, Lavrov, Fala, Alexander Tanas, Ronald Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: European, REUTERS, Rights, Moldovan, European Union, Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Rights CHISINAU, Moldova, Russia, Moscow, Soviet, Romania, Russian

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