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If accepted, EU officials expect formal accession talks with Kyiv to start next year. A top aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Budapest would not support Ukraine's EU integration unless Kyiv changes its laws on minorities, in particular as regards education. "Moldova is firmly on the path for EU membership and we will continue working relentlessly towards this goal," the country's president, Maia Sandu, said in welcoming the move. The Commission said the EU should also begin membership talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina once a long list of extensive conditions are met. In 2020, Britain was the first country to ever leave the EU, a major setback for European integration following World War Two.

Persons: Yves Herman, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Zelenskiy, Ursula von der Leyen, Von der Leyen, Viktor Orban, Maia Sandu, von der Leyen, enlargements, Andrew Gray, Yuliia, Olena, Alexander Tanas, Gabriela Baczynska, Nick Macfie, Sharon Singleton Organizations: REUTERS, European Union, European Commission, EU, Kyiv, Ukraine, Russia, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Brussels, Belgium, Moldova, Bosnia, Georgia, BRUSSELS, KYIV, Hungary, Kyiv, Hungarian, Budapest, EU, Moscow, Tbilisi, Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Netherlands, Britain

☆ Pro-Europe party of Moldova's president wins local elections, sees setbacks in big cities
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ZAK BENNETT/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCHISINAU, Nov 6 (Reuters) - The party of Moldova's pro-European president came first in hundreds of weekend local elections but was unable to win mayoral seats in the biggest cities, including the capital Chisinau, according to preliminary results on Monday. Sandu's ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) won more than 40% of the votes cast for mayors, city councillors and district and village councils nationwide. It won mayoral seats in the first round of voting in 240 of 898 villages, towns and cities. Those victories were mostly in rural areas and its candidates did not win control of the big cities. A pro-Russian political party linked to Shor was barred on security grounds from taking part in the elections.

Persons: Maia Sandu, ZAK BENNETT, Maia Sandu's, Ion Cebal, Lilian Carp, Ilan Shor, Sandu, Shor, Andrei Spinu, Tom Balmforth, Gareth Jones Organizations: USAID, Democracy, Ford Foundation Center, Social Justice, 78th United Nations General, Rights, of Action, Solidarity, PAS, funnelling, European Union, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, Rights CHISINAU, Chisinau, Moscow, Balti, Cahul, Orhei, Russia, Russian, Moldova, Soviet, Romania, Ukraine

☆ Moldova holds local elections amid Russian meddling allegations
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-05 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] People walk past election campaign posters ahead of snap parliamentary election, scheduled on July 11, in Chisinau, Moldova July 7, 2021. Pro-European President Maia Sandu has denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of plotting to oust her in a coup. "Thanks to your vote, Moldova has a chance to become a member of the European family. The national security service has accused Shor of helping funnel 1 billion Moldovan lei ($55.60 million) into Moldova to stage anti-government protests during the war in Ukraine and to "buy" voters. Shor said he was sending the money to Moldova to help pensioners, finance social infrastructure projects and some politicians.

Persons: Vladislav Culiomza, Maia Sandu, Ilan Shor, Shor, Ion Ceban, Lilian Carp, Sandu, Yuliia Dysa, Tom Balmforth, Ros Russell Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, European Union, funneling, of Action, Solidarity, PAS, Russian, Moldovan, Constitutional, Chance Party, Thomson Locations: Chisinau, Moldova, Rights CHISINAU, Moscow, Soviet, Ukraine, Russia

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Moldovans are casting ballots in nationwide local elections on Sunday as authorities say that Russia has been conducting “hybrid warfare” to undermine the vote in the European Union candidate country. While local elections in Moldova, a country of about 2.5 million people situated between Romania and Ukraine, wouldn't usually garner much international attention, ongoing accusations of Russian meddling add a geopolitical dimension to the vote. On Friday, Moldova’s national intelligence agency published a report alleging that Russia was trying to “influence the electoral process” through the party. Shor was the head of the Russia-friendly Shor Party, which was declared unconstitutional in June by Moldova’s Constitutional Court. “Russia has always been trying to undermine democratic elections in Moldova, particularly in an effort to derail European integration aspirations,” Cantir said.

Persons: wouldn't, Dorin Recean, Recean, Ilan Shor, Shor, Maia Sandu, Anatol Mosanu, ”, Cristian Cantir, Cantir, oligarch, Vladimir Plahotniuc, Plahotniuc, Sandu, Moldova’s, ” Cantir, “, they’ve, ” ___ Stephen McGrath Organizations: European Union, Moldova, Russia Chance Party, Intelligence, Security Service, SIS, Chance Party, Oakland University, Associated Press, EU, NATO, Party, Moldova’s Constitutional, Russia Locations: CHISINAU, Moldova, Russia, Romania, Ukraine, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Moldovan, Sunday's, Israel, ” “ Moldova, United States, United Kingdom, Moscow, Sighisoara

☆ Moldova Blocks Access to Russia's Main News Agencies
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova blocked access to the websites of major Russian news media including the Interfax and TASS news agencies on Monday, accusing them of taking part in an information war against the country. Moldova, a small country with a Romanian-speaking majority located between Ukraine and NATO-member Romania, has accused Moscow of trying to overthrow its pro-Western government since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Russian troops occupy a small, mainly Russian-speaking breakaway region, and Moldova's main opposition parties have long had close ties to Moscow. In a separate decree, Moldova also suspended the licenses of six domestic TV channels. Since June 2022, Moldova has already banned TV stations from broadcasting news and analysis programmes from Russia, allowing broadcasts in Russian of only entertainment shows and movies.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Dorin Recean, Aleksandr Tanas, Yuliia Dysa, Peter Graff Organizations: Interfax, TASS, NATO, Moldova's Intelligence, Security Service, Komsomolskaya Pravda, Russian Foreign Ministry Locations: CHISINAU, Moldova, Romanian, Ukraine, Romania, Moscow, Russia, Republic Of Moldova

☆ Wagner's Yevgeny Prigozhin tried to overthrow Ukraine's neighbor Moldova before his death, the nation's president says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Charles R. Davis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Wagner's Yevgeny Prigozhin was behind a coup attempt in Moldova, the country's president said. Wagner intended to turn protests "violent" to justify its allies seizing power, Maia Sandu claimed. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Thousands of Russian troops are stationed in Transnistria, the breakaway region of Moldova bordering Ukraine, and they are bolstered by thousands more troops loyal to Transnistria's pro-Russia leadership.

Persons: Wagner's Yevgeny Prigozhin, Wagner, Maia Sandu, —, Sandu, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Transnistria's Organizations: Service, Russian, NATO, European Union, Financial Times Locations: Moldova, Soviet Union, Ukraine, Romania, Moscow, Russia, Russian, Transnistria

☆ Moldovan president says Russia's Wagner head plotted coup against her -FT
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Moldova's President Maia Sandu addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 20, 2023. "Russia is going to increase its pressure on Moldova," Sandu told the FT. "They tried energy and they failed. Moldovans, she said, were entering the country with "bank cards that were issued in Dubai...they just distribute thousands of cards ...bank cards to people they wanted to bribe." Moldovan police on Friday said they had seized thousands of bank cards issued in Dubai due to be given to Shor's allies. "This is using bank cards instead of suitcases or black bags full of cash," Veronica Dragalin, head of Moldova's Anti-corruption prosecutors, told reporters.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Eduardo Munoz, Russia's Wagner, Sandu, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Prigozhin, Vladimir Putin, Ilan Shor, Shor, Veronica Dragalin, Ron Popeski, Alexander Tanas, Josie Kao Organizations: General Assembly, REUTERS, Financial Times, EU, Kremlin, Constitutional, PAS, Moldovan, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, Spain, Moscow, Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, Russia, Russian, Transdniestria, Moldova's, Dubai ., Dubai, Chisinau

☆ Officials Urge Moldova to Seize Opportunity for EU Membership
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova launched a nationwide discussion on securing European Union membership, with senior officials and academics urging their compatriots to seize every opportunity to join the bloc or run the risk of being left behind or sinking into chaos. Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu launched the discussion on EU membership on Friday, saying that public participation "has a critical meaning in building a more prosperous future within the framework of the community of Europe". The Moscow-sympathetic opposition, thrown out of power by Sandu's landslide 2020 election victory, is sceptical about EU membership. Moldovans, their country wedged between Ukraine and EU member Romania, have proved enthusiastic. Sandu and other officials have suggested that Moldova should forge ahead with its EU membership bid and ignore separatist Transdniestria, much like Cyprus was allowed to join despite the Turkish occupation of its northern regions since the 1970s.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Maia Sandu, Nicu Popescu, Vlad Culminschi, Transdniestria, Sandu, Ron Popeski, Leslie Adler Organizations: European Union, Moscow's, Institute of Strategic Initiatives Locations: Moldova, Soviet Moldova, Ukraine, Sandu, Russian, Transdniestria, Europe, Moscow, Romania, Cyprus, Soviet Union

☆ Conservative women leaders make their entrance at the UN General Assembly
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Stephanie Fillion | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

United Nations CNN —When Jacinda Ardern brought her baby Neve to the United Nations for the 2018 General Assembly, then-New Zealand Prime Minister became an emblematic figure of modern women in politics. But women attending the annual top rendezvous of diplomacy have remained a minority, and the UN General Assembly this year is no different. “This perpetuates the cycle,” Susana Malcorra, a former foreign minister of Argentina and president of Global Women Leaders Voices, said. Of course, not all the women leaders attending UNGA are on the far side of the political spectrum. It was Čaputová’s last General Assembly as president of her country, as she announced a few months ago she won’t seek reelection in 2024 for personal reasons.

Persons: Jacinda Ardern, Neve, ” Susana Malcorra, Katalin Novak, Giorgia Meloni, Meloni, “ Meloni, ” Richard Gowan, Katalin Novák, Viktor Orbán, it’s, Novák, Orban, Novak, ”, Mike Segar, Dina Boluarte, Peru’s, Pedro Castillo, Boluarte, UNGA, Zuzana, Maia Sandu, Nataša Pirc Musar, –, Sheikh Hasina, Mia Mottley, Bob Marley, Xiomara Castro, Ursula von der Leyen, Kristalina Georgieva, Ngozi, Natalie Portman Organizations: United Nations CNN, United Nations, Zealand, UN, Assembly, Global, Italian, Ukraine, Crisis, United Nations Security Council, Reuters, Security Council, Slovenia, Big Apple, European Commission, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization Locations: New York, Argentina, Italy, Ukraine, Slovakia, Moldova, Barbados, New York City, Honduras

☆ Restive Moldovan Region Finally Approves Executive
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova's restive Gagauzia region, locked in an uneasy relationship for 30 years with central authorities in Moldova, endorsed the composition of its local executive committee on Wednesday, a key decision for national institutions. The Executive Committee was elected on the seventh attempt -- after new Bashkan Yevgeniya Gutul withdrew nominations for deputies approved by Shor. "I intend to work constructively with you," Gutul said after the executive line-up was approved. As part of her election campaign, Gutul pledged to open a diplomatic mission for Gagauzia in Moscow. Sandu has delayed including Gutul in Moldova's government -- as required by Moldova's constitution -- pending the outcome of investigations into her election with Shor's backing.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Maia Sandu, Ilan Shor, Yevgeniya Gutul, Shor, Gutul, Sandu, Sandu's, Ron Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: Constitutional Locations: Moldova, Gagauzia, Russia, Moscow, Moldova's, Israel, Ukraine, Chisinau, Transdniestria, Russian

☆ Moldova puts its debt to Gazprom at $8.6 mln, Russian firm disagrees
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The former Soviet republic, nestled between Ukraine and European Union member Romania, used to buy Russian natural gas. But Gazprom and its Moldovan subsidiary said in late 2021 it had accumulated hundreds of millions of dollars in debt. Prime Minister Dorin Recean added: "After clarifications regarding the debt for natural gas, Moldova and citizens are not obliged to pay the corresponding bills." Parlicov said the auditors had not received documents from Moldovagaz and Gazprom to cover $276 million of the alleged debt. She has previously said that Moldova has no debts to Gazprom for natural gas.

Persons: Victor Parlicov, Dorin Recean, Maria Zakharov, Parlicov, Maia Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Vladimir Soldatkin, Anna Pruchnicka, Alexander Smith, Kevin Liffey, Ron Popeski, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Gazprom PAO, Gazprom, European Union, Romania, Moldovan, Moldova Energy, Foreign Ministry, Moldovagaz, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Moldova, Russian, Soviet, Ukraine, Chisinau, Moldovagaz, Moscow

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — A two-day summit in Romania began on Wednesday that brings together 12 European Union member states situated between the Baltic, Black and Adriatic Seas, as the grouping of mostly formerly communist countries aim to boost ties and connectivity amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Three Seas Initiative, which is being held in the capital, Bucharest, brings together high-ranking officials from EU countries as well as representatives from partner countries and aims to improve interconnectivity in the transportation, energy, and the digital fields. Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu tweeted Wednesday that she had “excellent discussions” with the U.S. assistant secretary of state for energy resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, about joint projects that aim to bolster regional energy security. On the sidelines of the event, Moldovan President Maia Sandu met Wednesday with Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. ___Stephen McGrath reported from Sighisoara, Romania.

Persons: Klaus Iohannis, isn’t, Luminita Odobescu, Geoffrey Pyatt, Odobescu, Iohannis, Maia Sandu, Marcel Ciolacu, Sandu, “, John Kerry, ___ Stephen McGrath Organizations: Union, Seas Initiative, U.S, EU, Romanian Locations: BUCHAREST, Romania, Black, Adriatic, Ukraine, Bucharest, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Estonia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Romanian, Moldova, Greece, Moldovan, Sighisoara

☆ Moldovan president says audit disproves $800 million Gazprom debt claim: report
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Moldovan President Maia Sandu attends a press conference during a meeting of the European Political Community at Mimi Castle in Bulboaca, Moldova June 1, 2023. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 3 (Reuters) - An audit carried out by an international firm has disproved Russian gas giant Gazprom's claim that the Moldovan government owes it $800 million, Moldovan President Maia Sandu was quoted as saying on Sunday. The former Soviet republic, situated between Ukraine and EU member Romania, used to buy Russian natural gas. But in late 2021 Gazprom and its Moldovan subsidiary said it had accumulated hundreds of millions of dollars in debt which had to be repaid to ensure further stable supplies. Gazprom put the debt at $709 million a year ago, although the sum might have increased with the addition of interest.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Mimi, Vladislav Culiomza, Sandu, Moldova's, Ros Russell Organizations: REUTERS, Moldovan, Gazprom, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Bulboaca, Moldova, Soviet, Ukraine, Romania, Chisinau

☆ Twenty-two Russian diplomats leave Moldova as relations slide
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Twenty-two Russian diplomats flew out of the Moldovan capital of Chisinau on Monday, leaving behind a skeleton staff as relations between the two countries deteriorated after Moldova last month ordered Moscow withdraw most of its delegation. Moldovan officials have said the reduction of staff at the Russian embassy to 25 from 80 will establish parity with Moldova's embassy in Moscow. Moldovan media outlets published a video of two buses being escorted out of the Russian embassy by police and driving in the direction of the airport. According to Moldova's foreign ministry, no more than 10 Russian diplomats and 15 support staff can remain in Chisinau from Tuesday. Russia's foreign ministry said on Monday evening that employees of Russian institutions - the embassy, trade mission and Russian centre for science and culture - and their family members who were forced to leave Moldova had already returned to Moscow.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Maxim Rodionov, Max Hunder, Nick Macfie, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: Moldovan, Reuters, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Chisinau, Moldova, Moscow, Russian, Moscow ., Soviet, Ukraine, Moldovan, Sochi, Russia, Romania

☆ Russian embassy in Moldova to suspend consular appointments
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

CHISINAU, July 30 (Reuters) - Russia's embassy in Moldova has announced it will temporarily stop providing appointments for consular matters in what Moldovan officials say is a situation linked to the order by the country's authorities to reduce staff. A statement issued by the embassy late on Saturday said consular appointments would be suspended from Aug. 5 "for technical reasons." Moldovan officials say the order to reduce staff at the Russian embassy to 25 from the current level of more than 80, to take effect from Aug. 15, will establish parity with Moldova's embassy in Moscow. Much of the embassy's consular work concerns the pro-Russian separatist enclave of Transdniestria, which broke away from Moldova before the collapse of Soviet rule and where 200,000 Russian passport holders live. Embassy staff were previously able to travel to the enclave on the Ukrainian border to conduct consular affairs, but authorities in the separatist region say the reductions will make that arrangement much more difficult.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Igor Zakhahrov, Maria Zakharova, Ron Popeski, Chris Reese Organizations: Russian Foreign, Embassy, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Moldova, Soviet Moldova, Ukraine, Moscow, Russian, Transdniestria

CNN —Russian missiles badly damaged dozens of Ukrainian architectural landmarks, including a historic Orthodox cathedral in the southern port city of Odesa, sparking outrage and prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to vow retaliation. “Russians deliberately aimed their missiles at the historic city center of Odesa, which is under the UNESCO protection. Some of the other cultural sites damaged include the House of Scientists and Zhvanetskyi Boulevard, Odesa’s Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said Sunday. Jae C. Hong/APThe cathedral lies in Odesa’s city center, which UNESCO named a World Heritage Site amid the threat of Russia’s invasion. “Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral … There can be no excuse for Russian evil,” Zelensky said.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, Odesa –, Oleh Kiper, Hennadii Trukhanov, Jae C, Catherine the Great, Oleksandr Tkachenko, Maia Sandu, Russia’s, Oleksandr Gimanov, ”, Julia Gorodetska, I’ve, Odesa, Zelensky, ” Zelensky, Serhii Smolientsev, Reuters “, Josep Borrell, Oleh Syniehubov, ” Syniehubov Organizations: CNN, UNESCO, Scientists, Zhvanetskyi, Ukrainian, Heritage, Getty, Command, Russian Ministry of Defense, “, Odesa, Reuters, Telegram . Civilian Locations: Russian, Odesa, Odesa’s, Soviet, Ukraine, Russia, Moscow, AFP, Ukrainian, Kharkhiv, Dvorichna, Kharkiv, Chuhuiv, Kupyansk

☆ New leader of Moldovan region thanks exiled patron, backs ties with Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, July 19 (Reuters) - The new leader of Moldova's region of Gagauzia expressed gratitude at her inauguration on Wednesday to a wealthy magnate jailed in absentia for fraud and stood by her calls for closer ties with Russia. The region's 140,000 residents have had an uneasy relationship with Moldovan authorities in three decades of independence from Soviet rule. Gutul pledged to uphold good ties with Turkey and Russia, as well as with Moldova's neighbours, Ukraine and Romania. In the election campaign, contested by a slate of pro-Russian candidates, she pledged to build closer ties with Russia and open a diplomatic mission in Moscow. Reporting by Alexander Tanas in Chisinau; Editing by Ron Popeski and Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Gagauzia, Maia Sandu, Yevgeniya, Ilan Shor, Shor, Ilan, Gutul, Shor's, Sandu's, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Grant McCool Organizations: European Union, Moldovan, Moldova's Constitutional, Sandu's PAS, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Russia, Moldova, Ukraine, Israel, Gagauzia, Chisinau, Turkey, Romania, Moscow, Transdniestria, Russian

☆ Moldova separatist leader vows to solve opposition politician's suspected murder
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, July 19 (Reuters) - The president of Moldova's separatist pro-Russian Transdniestria region vowed on Tuesday to solve the suspected murder of an opposition politician who was a rare advocate of reconciliation with the country's pro-European government. Opposition politician Oleg Horgan was found dead in his home this week, apparently after being struck with a heavy object. Transdniestria President Vadim Krasnoselsky said he would take "personal control" of the investigation. A parliamentary committee summoned a special sitting of the assembly to discuss the suspected murder later in the week. Moldova has embarked on a drive to join the EU since the 2020 election of President Maia Sandu, who has roundly denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Persons: Transdniestria, Oleg Horgan, Oleg Serebrean, Vadim Krasnoselsky, Krasnoselsky, Horgan, Maia Sandu, Sandu, Ronald Popeski, Sonali Paul Organizations: Organization for Security, Cooperation, European Union, EU, Communist, Sheriff, Moldovan, Civic Congress, Russian, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Russian, Moldova, Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Transdniestria, Moscow

☆ Moldova airport shooting suspect in coma, wanted in Tajikstan for abduction
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-01 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, July 1 (Reuters) - The chief suspect in a shootout in Moldova's main international airport remained in a coma on Saturday and was wanted in his native Tajikistan in connection with the abduction of a bank officer, Moldovan authorities said. The 43-year-old man grabbed a gun and shot dead two security officers and wounded a civilian on Friday after being denied entry to ex-Soviet Moldova, they said. Musteata said the suspect would be tried in Moldova and face an aggravated murder charge "if he survives". Moldova, lying between Ukraine and European Union member Romania, has been severely buffeted by the war in Ukraine. President Maia Sandu has denounced Russia's invasion and set EU membership of her country as the top foreign policy priority.

Persons: Ion Musteata, Dragos Galbur, Musteata, Maia Sandu, Ron Popeski, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Moldova, Officials, European Union, Romania, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Tajikistan, Soviet Moldova, Istanbul, Moldovan, Moldova, Soviet, Central Asia, Dushanbe, Chisinau, Ukraine

☆ Tajik man shoots two dead at Moldova's international airport
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, June 30 (Reuters) - A 43-year-old Tajik man grabbed a gun, shot dead two security officers and wounded a civilian at Moldova's main international airport on Friday after being denied entry to the country, authorities said. The suspected assailant was himself wounded and apprehended, police said, in an incident that briefly grounded flights at Chisinau International Airport. Moldova's acting chief prosecutor, Ion Munteanu, said the shooting was being examined as a terrorist act. The two killed were a border guard and an airport security officer, President Maia Sandu said, offering condolences. It was only after we went far away from the airport that we were told there is someone who is shooting."

Persons: Ion Munteanu, Olena Shevelyova, Dorin Recean, Maia Sandu, Munteanu, Dragos Galbur, Alexander Tanas, Olena Harmash, Tom Balmforth, Cynthia Osterman, Ron Popeski, Grant McCool Organizations: Chisinau International Airport, European Union, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Chisinau, Tajikistan, Soviet, Asia, Istanbul, Moldova, Moldovan, Soviet Union, Ukrainian, Milan

☆ Moldova bans pro-Russian Shor party after months of protests
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-19 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Marina Tauber, leader of the opposition pro-Russian political party Shor, delivers a speech during a hearing of the Constitutional Court in Chisinau, Moldova, June 19, 2023. REUTERS/Vladislav CuliomzaSummary Constitutional Court bans pro-Russian Shor partyShor lawmakers can remain in parliament as independentsPresident Maia Sandu welcomes court's decisionCHISINAU, June 19 (Reuters) - Moldova's Constitutional Court on Monday banned the pro-Russian Shor party that has led months of protests and is headed by an exiled businessman accused by the West and the government of trying to destabilise the country. Shor has denied the protests are part of a Russian threat or of attempts to destabilise Moldova. Parliamentary speaker Igor Grosu said the court's decision was "an important victory for Moldovan democracy". Opposition Socialist Party leader Igor Dodon said Sandu's governing Action and Solidarity Party had "officially become totalitarian, destroying opposition forces" and that it would eventually suffer the same fate as the Shor party.

Persons: Marina Tauber, Shor, Vladislav Culiomza, Maia Sandu, Ilan Shor, Nicolae Rosca, Sandu, Igor Grosu, Igor Dodon, Alexander Tanas, Anna Pruchnicka, Timothy Heritage, Mark Heinrich, Ed Osmond Organizations: Constitutional, REUTERS, West, European Union, EU, Moldovan, Opposition Socialist Party, Solidarity Party had, Thomson Locations: Russian, Chisinau, Moldova, CHISINAU, Israel, United States, Soviet, Russia, Moldova's, Transdniestria

☆ Russia's 'least capable' troops aren't in Ukraine, but they're still causing problems next door, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Constantine Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Moldova, next door to Ukraine, has been under pressure from Russia for decades. Amid the war in Ukraine, Kyiv and Western officials say Moscow is stepping up its interference. As a result of a 1992 war between Moldovan forces and Transnistrian separatists, Russian troops entered the breakaway region to support the separatists. Following that war, Transnistria gained a form of autonomy. SERGEI GAPON/AFP via Getty ImagesMoldova declared a state of emergency after Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022, and it remains in effect.

Persons: —, that's, John Sullivan, SERGUEI VORONIN, Chișinău, Maia Sandu, Diego Herrera Carcedo, SERGEI GAPON, Moldova's, John Kirby, Kirby, Pierre Crom, Thomas de Waal, Dara Massicot, Massicot, Jamar Marcel Pugh, Sandu, Ursula von der Leyen, Constantine Atlamazoglou Organizations: Service, Georgetown University, Getty, Moldovan, NATO, EU, Anadolu Agency, Getty Images Moldova, White House National Security Council, Carnegie, RAND Corporation, US Army National Guard, European Commission, Fletcher School of Law, LinkedIn Locations: Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Transnistria, Kyiv, Western, Moscow, Soviet Union, Romania, Europe, Baltic, Poland, Bender, Transnistrian, Chisinau, May, Lithuania, Sweden, AFP, Russian, Carnegie Europe, NATO, Bulgaria

[1/3] A man sits next to the body of his granddaughter who was killed during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine June 1, 2023. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, uprooted millions, shattered Ukrainian cities, and brought increasing attacks on Russian soil. Earlier, the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), a far-right paramilitary group of ethnic Russians that supports Ukraine, had said it was fighting inside Russia. 'NO ONE OPENED SHELTER'In Kyiv, Ukraine said it shot down 10 ballistic and Iskander cruise missiles in Russia's 18th attack on the capital since the start of May. Russia denies targeting civilians or committing war crimes but its forces have devastated Ukrainian cities and repeatedly hit residential areas since the Feb. 24, 2022 invasion.

Persons: Vyacheslav Gladkov, Yaroslav Ryabchuk, Vladimir Putin's, Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Zelenskiy, Maia Sandu, Guy Faulconbridge, Felix Light, Olena Harmash, John Irish, Andrew Gray, Andrew Cawthorne, Ros Russell, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: REUTERS, Moldova KYIV, Russia's, Russian Volunteer Corps, Belgorod region's, Soviet Union, NATO, Moldovan, Thomson Locations: Russian, Ukraine, Kyiv, Moldova, MOSCOW, Russia, Ukrainian, Shebekino, Moscow, Belgorod, Soviet, Western, EU, Scandinavia, Denmark, Lithuania, NATO

NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) surveillance aircraft will watch the skies over the summit venue through Friday, the alliance said in a statement. Missile debris from the war in Ukraine has been found in Moldova several times since Russia invaded 15 months ago. "NATO AWACS can detect aircraft, missiles and drones hundreds of kilometres away, making them an important early warning capability," NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said. The summit will also touch on a range of strategic issues, ranging from energy to cybersecurity and migration. Reporting by John Irish, Andrew Gray and Alexander Tanas; writing by John Irish; editing by Mark HeinrichOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Josep Borrell, Nicu Popescu, Ana Revenco, Oana Lungescu, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Maia Sandu, Ursula von der, Albin Kurti, Aleksandar Vucic, ” Borrell, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, John Irish, Andrew Gray, Alexander Tanas, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: High Representative, European Union for Foreign Affairs, Moldova's, Russia, NATO, Kyiv, Control Systems, European, Kosovo, EU, Thomson Locations: Chisinau, Moldova, Ukraine, Kosovo, Moldovan, Romania, Russia, Ursula von der Leyen, KOSOVO, Slovakia, defusing, Serbian, Europe, Azerbaijan, Armenia

☆ Pro-government rally in Moldovan capital draws tens of thousands
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-21 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] People wave flags of European Union and Moldova during a rally to support the European path of the country, in Chisinau, Moldova May 21, 2023. President Maia Sandu has accused Russia of seeking to sabotage its European integration by fuelling anti-government protests and propaganda. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, on a visit to Chisinau, also addressed the rally, saying Europe would welcome Moldova "with open arms and open hearts". "This is about the both of us: You will bring a piece of Moldova to Europe, and you will make Europe stronger," she said. "I believe in a European Moldova and want for my country a future with advanced economic and socio-political development," said 18-year-old attendee Alexandrina Miron.

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