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☆ 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

☆ European leaders breathe a sigh of relief as pro-EU candidate wins Moldova election
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-04 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The second round of voting pitted incumbent Maia Sandu against her Russia-backed Party of Socialists opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo, after neither candidate won a majority in the first round last month. With 99.9% of the responses at the poll counted on Monday morning, Sandu won 55.4% of the vote, compared to the 44.6% of Stoianoglo, according to Moldova's Central Electoral Commission. France will continue to stand beside Moldova on its European path," according to a CNBC translation. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, likewise praised Maia Sandu, stating on X that "it takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you've faced in this election. I'm glad to continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people."

Persons: Maia Sandu, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Sandu, we've, Olaf Scholz, Emmanuel Macron, Sandu's, Ursula von der Leyen, you've, I'm Organizations: Electoral Commission, Moscow, CNBC, European Commission Locations: Soviet, Russia, Moldova, Ukraine, Romania, Europe, Georgia, Russian, Republic of Moldova, France

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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 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

☆ 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

☆ Moldova Police Find Russian Drone Fragments Near Ukraine Border
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Police on Sunday found fragments of a Russian drone alongside the Moldova border with Ukraine, prompting pro-European President Maia Sandu to renew her support for Kyiv in its nearly two-year-old war with Moscow. The war has buffeted Moldova, with periodic reports of weapon fragments found on the territory of the ex-Soviet state lying between Ukraine and Romania. A police statement said the fragments were found near the village of Etulia. The Latest Photos From Ukraine View All 91 Images"Russia’s war on Ukraine hits close to home in Moldova — again," Sandu wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Reuters could not independently verify the incident and Russian authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Sandu, Ronald Popeski, Mark Porter Organizations: Police, Kyiv, European Union, Reuters Locations: CHISINAU, Russian, Moldova, Ukraine, Moscow, Soviet, Romania, Russia, Etulia, Ismail, 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 Says Latest Talks With Separatists 'Difficult'
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - A senior official of Moldova's pro-European government said on Wednesday that his latest talks with the pro-Russian separatist Transdniestria region had been "quite difficult" as tension rises in the three-decade-old standoff. The region split from Moldova before the collapse of Soviet rule and fought a brief war against the newly independent state lying between Ukraine and Romania. Moldova's deputy prime minister, Oleg Serebrean, said the latest talks between the sides on Tuesday, in Transdniestria's main town of Tiraspol, had focused on the new tax regime. One-on-one talks with Transdniestria are held under the auspices of the 57-nation Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which has been mediating for decades. They replaced a longstanding "5+2" format in which Russia, Ukraine and the United States participated, along with observers from the EU and the United States.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Transdniestria, Oleg Serebrean, Serebrean, Maia Sandu, Moldolva, Sandu, Moldova's, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Leslie Adler Organizations: European Union, EU, Russian, Transdniestria, Organisation for Security, United Locations: Moldova, Ukraine, Romania, Russian, Transdniestria, Soviet, Transdniestria's, Tiraspol, Chisinau, Moscow, Cyprus, Russia, Europe, United States

☆ 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

☆ Russia vows retaliation over Moldova decision to join EU sanctions
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] The state flag of Moldova (L) flies outside the country's embassy in central Moscow, Russia December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMOSCOW, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Russia views Moldova's decision to join EU sanctions against it as a hostile step aimed at destroying ties with Moscow and will retaliate, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday. Among its provisions are regulations concerning action to be taken against individuals and institutions subject to sanctions imposed on Russia in connection with the Kremlin's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Sandu has denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of trying to oust her in a coup. Moscow denies the allegations and says Sandu is infusing anti-Russian sentiment in the country lying between Ukraine and Romania.

Persons: Maxim, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Maxim Rodionov, Andrew Osborn, Marguerita Choy Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, EU, European Union, Moldovan, Maia Sandu's Party of Action, Solidarity, Socialist Party, of Europe, European Commission, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Moldova, Moscow, Russia, Russian, Moldovan, Chisinau, Ukraine, Venice, Romania

[1/6] Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meets with President of the European Council Charles Michel, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine November 21, 2023. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsKYIV, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European Council chief Charles Michel warned on Tuesday that a European Union meeting next month to decide whether to begin formal accession talks for Kyiv would be difficult. I think this is the decision which will help Ukraine to believe that there is justice...," Zelenskiy told reporters. "All these are big challenges for everyone and already not only for Ukraine, but a challenge for preserving the unity of the European Union," he said. "It will be a difficult meeting but I do not intend to give up," Michel said, adding that the world needed a strong European Union to ensure stability and prosperity.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Charles Michel, Michel, Maia Sandu, Zelenskiy, Michel's, Sandu, Boris Pistorius, Tom Balmforth, Yuliia Dysa, Dan Peleschuk, Alexandra Hudson, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: European, Presidential Press Service, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Union, Zelenskiy, Moldovan, European Union, Kyiv, ACT AS ONE, EU, German, IRIS, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Moldova, Russia, Moscow, Soviet Moldova, Brussels, Soviet Moscow, Crimea

☆ Russia Bars Moldovan Nationals, Summoning Ambassador
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

(Reuters) - Russia barred entry to a number of officials from Moldova on Monday and complained about moves by its pro-European government to block Russian media outlets ahead of local elections earlier this month. A Russian foreign ministry statement said Moldovan Ambassador Lilian Darie was summoned to be told of the decision. Moldovan foreign ministry spokesperson Igor Zaharov told Moldova-1 television that the government stood by protecting its media from interference regardless of Moscow's moves. Moldovan news outlet newsmaker.md said the Russian list barred 11 parliamentarians -- all members of Sandu's pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity. Ahead of the election, Moldova suspended licences and barred access to 30 media sites - some based in Russia, others in Moldova - on grounds of spreading disinformation.

Persons: Maia Sandu's, Lilian Darie, Igor Zaharov, Zaharov, newsmaker.md, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: Reuters, European Union, Moldovan, European Party of Action Locations: Russia, Moldova, Soviet, Russian, Moscow, Moldovan, Ukraine, Chisinau

☆ Moldovan president's allies score well in local polls
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Sandu warned before the election that pro-Russian forces in the country, particularly fugitive business magnate Ilan Shor, had funnelled money into Moldova to "buy" voters. Shor's allies were barred from running two days before the first round and he complained from exile in Israel that the ruling had cost him electoral success. An independent won in Comrat, a town in the south where one of Shor's allies had won a regional vote earlier this year. Ion Ceban, running under a party he founded, was re-elected mayor of the capital Chisinau in the first round, though the president's supporters suggest he may hold pro-Russian sympathies. Reporting by Alexander Tanas; Editing by Ron Popeski and Will DunhamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Maia Sandu, ZAK BENNETT, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Ilan Shor, Shor's, Ion Ceban, Igor Grosu, Shor, Arina Korsicova, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Will Dunham Organizations: USAID, Democracy, Ford Foundation Center, Social Justice, 78th United Nations General, Rights, Sunday, European Union, Sandu's Party of Action, Solidarity, Socialist Party, PAS, Constitutional, The Organization, Security, Cooperation, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, Rights CHISINAU, Moldova, Russian, Ukraine, Romania, Israel, Moldova's, Balti, Russia, Comrat, Calaras, Chisinau, Europe

☆ Moldova's Largest Orthodox Church Keeps Link to Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova's largest Orthodox church reaffirmed its link to its Russian parent church on Thursday despite dissent from priests who have denounced the association with Moscow over the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine. But parishioners are divided between two churches -- the Moldova Metropolis, subordinate to the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Metropolis of Bessarabia, which reports to the Romanian church. "The clergy and the people remain faithful to the Orthodox Church of Moldova and Metropolitan Vladimir," Bishop Ioan of theRussia-linked church said in a statement. "There will be no discussion of linking the Molodvan Orthodox Church to the Romanian Patriarchate." A group of priests in the majority Russian-linked church had asked Vladimir this week to switch allegiance to the Romanian church.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Metropolitan Vladimir, Kirill, Bishop Ioan, Vladimir, Pavel Borsevschi, Maia Sandu, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: Orthodox Church, Metropolitan, Orthodox, of, European Union Locations: Moscow, Ukraine, Moldova Metropolis, Metropolis, Bessarabia, Romanian, Russia, Russian, of Moldova, Romanian Patriarchate, Romania, Soviet Union

☆ Fugitive Moldovan Businessmen Returns to Israeli Base, Interpol Says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Fugitive pro-Russian Moldovan businessman Ilan Shor, accused of "buying" voters to sway an election in the ex-Soviet state, has returned to his exile base in Israel, an Interpol official said on Sunday. Tentiu had earlier said that Shor left Israel on Nov. 6. Moldovan officials accused Shor of channelling the equivalent of 50 million euros ($53.5 million) into Moldova for "buying" voters. Tentiu said all Interpol member-states had been asked to report if he was on their territory. Russia dismisses Sandu's allegations and accuses her of waging an anti-Russian campaign and infusing an anti-Russian atmosphere in Moldova.

Persons: Ilan Shor, Viorel Tentiu, Shor, Tentiu, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Grant McCool Organizations: Interpol, Moldovan, Constitutional Court, European Union, Moldova Locations: CHISINAU, Russian Moldovan, Soviet, Israel, Moldova, Ben Gurion, Ukraine, Moscow, Romania, Russia

☆ Fugitive Moldovan businessmen returns to Israeli base, Interpol says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Fugitive pro-Russian Moldovan businessman Ilan Shor, accused of "buying" voters to sway an election in the ex-Soviet state, has returned to his exile base in Israel, an Interpol official said on Sunday. Tentiu had earlier said that Shor left Israel on Nov. 6. Moldovan officials accused Shor of channelling the equivalent of 50 million euros ($53.5 million) into Moldova for "buying" voters. Tentiu said all Interpol member-states had been asked to report if he was on their territory. Russia dismisses Sandu's allegations and accuses her of waging an anti-Russian campaign and infusing an anti-Russian atmosphere in Moldova.

Persons: Ilan Shor, Viorel Tentiu, Shor, Tentiu, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Grant McCool Organizations: Interpol, Moldovan, Constitutional Court, European Union, Moldova, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Russian Moldovan, Soviet, Israel, Moldova, Ben Gurion, Ukraine, Moscow, Romania, Russia

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