Moldova Bans A Pro-Russian Political Party That Was Surging In The Polls

Moldova bans pro-Russian opposition Shor Party © IntelliNews  

Reuters: Moldova bans pro-Russian Shor party after months of protests 

CHISINAU (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. 

The court declared the party led by Ilan Shor, who lives in Israel, unconstitutional. Its decision triggered an immediate ban and the justice ministry will create a commission to complete all legal procedures for the party's dissolution. 

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Inflation has battered the Moldovan economy and is responsible for the instability in the country, not the opposition party that is advocating different set of policies. 

Moldova Bans A Pro-Russian Political Party That Was Surging In The Polls  

Pro-Russian party banned in Moldova after coup warnings -- Politico  

Moldova bans pro-Russia party following months of protests over inflation -- WION  

Moldova bans pro-Russian Shor party after months of protests -- Al Jazeera  

A European country has banned an opposition party that was surging in the polls. Why aren't you hearing more about it? -- RT

Has Moldova Accepted Ukraine's Offer Of Troops To Seize Transnistria?

The Scotsman: War against Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelensky offers to send troops to help Moldova win back breakaway republic of Transnistria 

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said he would send troops to help expel Russia from the breakaway Moldovan republic of Transnistria – if asked to by the Moldovan government. 

However, he said no such request had been made and emphasised Ukraine has no territorial claims over the pro-Russian territory. 

It comes as US secretary of state Antony Blinken said there could be no ceasefire in the war in Ukraine unless it was part of a “just and lasting” peace deal that includes Russia’s military withdrawal.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: If this offer is accepted by Moldova, it will now mean the Russia - Ukraine war has expanded into a third country.

U.S. Intelligence Says Russia Is Stirring Unrest In Moldova

 

Daily Mail: White House warns Russian actors with intelligence ties are trying to foment a 'manufactured insurrection' in Moldova and pledges full support plus $300 million in energy aid for Ukraine's neighbor 

* Moldova has faced coup attempt, 400 bomb hoaxes, and protests 

* White House says Russia seeks to weaken regime and install pro-Moscow one 

* Russians 'manufactured demonstrations'; U.S. stands by 'every step of the way' 

The White House issued a public warning on Friday that Russian 'actors' who were tied to Russian intelligence are engaging an effort to 'destabilize' the country of Moldova through a 'manufactured insurrection.' 

National security spokesman Adm. John Kirby told reporters the U.S. agreed with the assessment of Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who has issued her own warnings about Moscow-backed efforts to destabilize her country. 

The former Soviet republic borders Ukraine and is located near the Black Sea port city of Odessa.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Russia does not need to ferment an insurrection in Moldova. There are more than enough problems in Moldova to ferment unrest. The annual inflation rate is currently over 25% (link here). Everyone is experiencing sky-high energy prices (link here). There is also double-digit unemployment. No investment. And A shrinking GDP.  

Update: After issuing a warning that Russia is trying to destabilize Moldova, Washington is offering to help .... US to help Moldova fight Russia's destabilization efforts (Reuters). 

U.S. Intelligence Says Russia Is Stirring Unrest In Moldova  

US says intelligence shows Russia stirring unrest in Moldova -- AP  

White House: Russia working to overthrow Moldovan government, but no immediate military threat -- The Hill  

US warns Russian-linked actors seeking to 'foment manufactured insurrection' in European country -- FOX News

Airline Suspends Moldova Flights Over Airspace Safety And Reports That Ukraine May Seize Transnistria

Wizz Air is suspending all flights to and from Chisinau from 14 March. Photograph: Inquam Photos/Reuters 

 BBC: Wizz Air to suspend Moldova flights over airspace safety 

Wizz Air says it will suspend all flights to the Moldovan capital Chisinau from 14 March due to concerns about the safety of its airspace. 

A Russian missile was fired over Moldovan airspace earlier this month. 

Moldova's civil aviation authority called the airline's decision sudden and regrettable. 

Moldova is one of Europe's poorest economies and has been heavily exposed to the war in Ukraine. 

The airline said: "Safety of the passengers and crew remain Wizz Air's number one priority...

"Following the recent developments in Moldova and the elevated, but not imminent, risk in the country's airspace, Wizz Air has made the difficult but responsible decision to suspend all flights to Chisinau from 14 March."  

Read more .... 

 Update #1: Wizz Air to suspend Moldova flights, citing security (Reuters)  

Update #2: Wizz Air to suspend Moldova flights due to security fears (The Guardian)  

WNU Editor: It looks like Wizz Air has made the calculation that a Ukrainian invasion and seizure of Transistria is going to happen in the coming weeks.

Moldova's New Prime Minister Wants Russian Troops Expelled From Transistria And The Integration Of This Region Into Moldova (Update)

"Russian troops must leave Transnistria, and the region itself will be demilitarized," - the new PM of Moldova, Dorin Recan

"There we must achieve a fundamental thing, demilitarization.
After that, everything else follows, pic.twitter.com/bSUZUXkrVF

— Trollstoy (@Trollstoy88) February 19, 2023

NEWIZV: Tame Transnistria. The Moldovan authorities are going to disarm the rebellious territory 

The new Prime Minister of Moldova announced his intention to seek the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria, with the subsequent integration of this region into the country's economy. 

Interesting events have been unfolding recently in Moldova. 

 As you know, on February 10, the government of Natalia Gavrilitsa resigned, and on the same day, President Maya Sandu of the country nominated Dorin Rechan for the post of prime minister. 

And now the new prime minister of the country is already making the first and very loud statements that Moldova should not confuse defense with neutrality, since he will not insure the country against aggression. 

And besides, according to him, the unrecognized Pridnestrovian Republic should be demilitarized and Russian troops should withdraw from it, and after that the inhabitants of the region will need to be integrated into the social and economic life of the country:  

Read more ....  

Update: The Prime Minister of Moldova demanded the withdrawal of the Russian army from Transnistria (NEWIZV)  

WNU Editor: The newly appointed Prime minister of Moldova is making his intentions very clear even though his government is denying any planned provocations against Transistria .... Moldova denies Russian claim of planned provocation against Transnistria, urges calm (Kyiv Independent). 

This story is not getting the news coverage in the West that it deserves. This could be a flashpoint that can quickly escalate and expand the war to involve another country (i.e. Moldova) and neighboring NATO member Romania. 

Update #2: Moldova's former President is raising the alarm .... Moldova’s ex-president slams current leaders’ call for NATO membership as dangerous (TASS).  

Update #3: The Duran's analysis on what is happening in Moldova (see video below) concurs with what I am hearing from WNU readers and a friend that I know in Moldova. 

My mother's caregiver is from Moldova, and she is horrified with what the Moldovan government is doing. And she voted for Moldovan President Maya Sandu in the last election that she now deeply regrets.

Moldova Swears In New Pro-Western Government

Dorin Recean, Moldovan president's nominee for prime minister, attends a session of a parliamentary commission in Chisinau, Moldova, February 16, 2023. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza  

The Guardian: Moldovan MPs approve pro-western PM amid tensions over Russia  

Dorin Recean takes office facing inflation at 30% and warnings of Russian plan for country’s ‘destruction’ 

Moldova’s parliament has approved the formation of a pro-western government led by the new prime minister, Dorin Recean, amid continuing economic turmoil and allegations of Russian meddling. 

Recean, 48, was nominated by President Maia Sandu to replace Natalia Gavrilita, whose government resigned last week amid a series of crises in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Sandu repeatedly accused Russia of trying to destabilise Moldova and on Monday accused Moscow of plotting to topple the country’s leadership, stop it joining the EU and use it in the war against Ukraine.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. This new government is not going to solve Moldov's economic and political problems.

 Moldova Swears In New Pro-Western Government  

Moldova’s new pro-Western government faces ‘crises’ amid Russia’s war in Ukraine -- AP 

Moldovan parliament backs new pro-EU PM amid Russian coup fears -- Politico.eu 

Moldovan parliament approves new pro-Western government -- Reuters  

Moldova swears in new government amid Russia tensions -- DW  

Moldova Swears In New Pro-Western Government -- RFE  

Factbox: Who is new Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean? -- Reuters

Moldova Briefly Closed-Down Its Airspace After A Report Of A Balloon-Like Object

Exterior view of Chisinau International Airport, in Chisinau, Moldova, February 14, 2023. Inquam Photos/Andrei Mardari via REUTERS  

Reuters: Moldova Briefly Shuts Airspace After Report of Balloon-Like Object 

CHISINAU (Reuters) -Moldova briefly closed its air space on Tuesday to investigate reports of a balloon-like object in the sky, a day after the small east European country accused Russia of plotting to bring down its government. 

Russia denied the accusation by President Maia Sandu, who has repeatedly expressed concern about Russia's intentions towards the former Soviet republic since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022. 

Moldova's civil aviation authority said it acted after receiving a defence ministry report that a small object resembling a weather balloon had been seen over the north of the country, close to the border with Ukraine.  

Read more ....  

Update: Romania, Moldova both report strange objects in their skies (AP) 

WNU Editor: Moldova's government is nervous .... Moldova bars fans from football match amid coup worries (DW).  

Update #2: Serbia and Montenegro want an explanation from Moldova after Moldova's President Maia Sandu described an alleged Russian conspiracy against her country's government using external saboteurs from Montenegro, Belarus and Serbia .... Serbia, Montenegro Request Clarification After Moldova Warns Of Possible Russian Provocation (RFE).

Moldova’s President Has Accused Russia Of Plotting To Overthrow The Country’s Pro-EU Government

 

The Guardian: Moldova president accuses Russia of plotting to oust pro-EU government 

Maia Sandu says plan revealed by Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been confirmed 

Moldova’s president has accused Russia of plotting to overthrow the country’s pro-EU government through violent actions disguised as opposition protest. 

Maia Sandu said authorities had confirmed an alleged Russian plot to destabilise her country that Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, had revealed last week. 

Zelenskiy told EU leaders that Ukraine had intercepted a plan from Russian intelligence, having uncovered a document that showed “who, when and how was going to break the democracy of Moldova and establish control” over the country. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Moldova is a deeply divided country due to a deepening and worsening economic crisis.

A prediction. 

By now branding her opponents as Russian saboteurs and/or a threat to the government, I can easily see the Moldovan government passing legislation where opposition leaders and opposing political parties may be banned or worse. 

Moldova’s President Has Accused Russia Of Plotting To Overthrow The Country’s Pro-EU Government  

Moldova's president outlines Russian 'plan' to topple gov't -- AP  

Moldovan president warns of Russian plot to topple leadership -- Reuters 

Moldovan President Accuses Russia of Plotting Her Overthrow -- AFP  

Moldova's president accuses Russia of planning coup -- DW  

Russia is planning coup in Moldova, says President Maia Sandu -- Politico  

Moldovan president warns of Russian agent infiltration -- Al Jazeera

Moldova's Pro-Western Government Has Fallen

 

DW: Moldova: Pro-Western government collapses amid crises 

The government in Chisinau has fallen after a year and a half in office, amid inflation and energy security concerns. 

The war in neighboring Ukraine has also taken its toll on the small nation. Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita stepped down from her position on Friday citing a lack of support in the former Soviet Republic. 

The pro-Western government had been in power for just 18 months, during a period dominated by the Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine. 

 Moldova's President Maia Sandu accepted Gavrilita's resignation and said she would talk with parliamentary groups about a possible replacement. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: A new government is being formed .... Moldovan President names candidate for Prime Minister (AP). More here .... Moldova names new pro-EU prime minister after government falls amid Russian pressure (Politico). 

I have friends in Moldova, and they tell me the situation is grim. The country is deeply divided, and the economic situation continues to worsen. This new government is not going to make a difference. 

Moldova's Pro-Western Government Has Fallen

Moldovan government quits amid economic turmoil, Russia tensions -- Reuters 

Moldovan PM resigns blaming ‘crises caused by Russian aggression’ -- The Guardian  

Moldovan president accepts government’s resignation -- TASS

Moldova's President Wants To Begin Discussions On Joining NATO

Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, reacts during the 53rd annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos, Switzerland, 17 January 2023. [EPA-EFE/GIAN EHRENZELLER]  

Politico: Time to join NATO? Moldova eyes joining ‘a larger alliance’  

President Maia Sandu tells POLITICO a ‘serious discussion’ is taking place about locking into a broader military alliance. 

DAVOS, Switzerland — Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is prompting soul-searching in neighboring Moldova about whether the country needs to shift away from its constitutionally-enshrined neutrality and lock itself into a “larger alliance.” 

When asked about potential NATO accession, Moldova’s President Maia Sandu said in an interview with POLITICO the country was still weighing its next step, and whether it would require a constitutional change to do so. 

“Now, there is a serious discussion … about our capacity to defend ourselves, whether we can do it ourselves, or whether we should be part of a larger alliance,” she said. “And if we come, at some point, to the conclusion as a nation that we need to change neutrality, this should happen through a democratic process.”  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: I have a few friends in Moldova. They are split on embracing NATO, but all of them are not happy with Moldovan President Maia Sandu's handling of the economy. 

Moldova's President Wants To Begin Discussions On Joining NATO  

Russian invasion of Ukraine forces Moldova to consider joining "broader alliance" - Sandu -- Ukrinform  

Moldovan President Maia Sandu prepared to abandon nation’s netrality and join NATO -- Euroweekly News  

Moldova’s Sandu asks allies for air defences, says Russia trying to destabilise country -- Euractiv

Moldova Suspends The Broadcast Licenses Of 6 TV Stations

DW: Moldova suspends six channels over Ukraine 'disinformation' 

Moldovan authorities said that the channels' licenses were revoked in order to prevent "disinformation" about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

Moldova has suspended the broadcast licenses of six television channels over "disinformation," authorities said. 

The decision to revoke the licenses was announced by Moldova's Commision for Exceptional Situations, which was established following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. 

Moldovan President Maia Sandu called the suspensions "an important step to prevent attempts to destabilize" the country.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: A regular WNU reader in Moldova gave me the heads-up on this story. She tells me that they are now censoring everything. The Russian government has responded .... Russia denounces Moldova’s ban of TV channels as ‘political censorship’ (CNBC/Reuters). 

Moldova Suspends The Broadcast Licenses Of 6 TV Stations  

Moldova suspends 6 TV channels over alleged misinformation -- AP  

Moldovan Government Suspends Licenses Of Six TV Stations To 'Eliminate Propaganda' -- RFE

Moldova suspends six TV channels over Russia-Ukraine war coverage - Al Jazeera

Moldova's Prime minister Says The Country Is Facing An Energy Crisis Becasue Of The Russia - Ukraine War

DW: Moldova PM: 'Greatest threats relate to energy security' 

Moldova relies heavily on Russia and Ukraine for energy and has been badly hit by the invasion of its neighbor.

In this interview, Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita explains the challenges faced by her country. Natalia Gavrilita: First of all, the attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. These attacks have already caused two nationwide power cuts, one on November 15, 2022, and one a week ago. Today, we heard about new potential attacks, including ones targeting the nearby region of Odesa.

I think that the greatest threats we face relate to energy security — among other things — because of the supply line via Ukraine as we don't have any high-voltage transmission lines that can be connected to the Romanian grid. We are working on this and hope to have a joint high-voltage transmission line in 2024. Until then, we remain very vulnerable. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It is going to be a tough winter in Moldova .... Ukraine war: Moldova braces for blackouts (BBC). But the US has stepped in to help Moldova's energy needs for winter .... The US Is Now Propping Up Tiny Moldova's Energy Sector Too (Zero Hedge). Many Americans are having trouble paying their energy bills this winter, but Washington DC is bailing out Moldova and its electrical/heating bills. You just cannot make this stuff up.

Western Countries Pledge Hundreds Of Millions In New Aid To Moldova

 

RFE: Donor Countries Pledge 100 Million Euros In Urgent Support For Moldova As Winter Nears 

International donors have pledged more than 100 million euros ($102 million) to help Moldova deal with the consequences of the war in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said on November 21 in Paris after a conference to raise money for the impoverished EU candidate country. 

Representatives of 45 countries and institutions gathered in the French capital to increase and consolidate their promised support to Moldova, while fears grow that the country will be destabilized by the conflict in neighboring Ukraine. 

Read more .... 

WNU editor: The political crisis and protests are becoming a regular occurrence in Moldova .... Moldovan Ex-President Dodon Freed From House Arrest, Vows To 'Continue Fight' (RFE). 

Western Countries Pledge Hundreds Of Millions In New Aid To Moldova  

Moldova warns of acute crisis as powers pledge more support -- Reuters  

100M euros pledged to Moldova, hit hard by war in Ukraine -- AP  

Moldova urges EU to ‘dramatically increase’ speed of support amid Russian pressure -- Politico 

Moldova faces winter darkness as Russia weaponises energy -- Energy monitor  

Western Countries Pledge Hundreds Of Millions To Shore Up Tiny Moldova -- Zero Hedge 

Russia’s next target? Why the West can’t allow Putin to seize Moldova -- The Hill

Massive Anti-Government Protests Against Moldova's Pro-Western Government Continue

Mass protests continue in #Moldova calling for the removal of the pro-EU regime of Maya Sandu.

The Western media has completely blacked out these mass protests in Moldova. They are peddling the CIA nonsense instead blaming Russia for this. pic.twitter.com/kpvPQEk0aZ

— UkraineNews (@Ukraine66251776) October 28, 2022

WNU Editor: Inflation that is over 30% and climbing. Interest rates at 21% and climbing. A economy that has imploded, coupled with the country now facing its worse energy crisis in its history .... sighhhh .... this is what is fueling these protests .... President says Moldova facing worst energy crisis in its history (BNE Intelligence). 

Kudos to Reuters for following these protests closely and reporting on why they are happening, and how large they are .... Thousands in new Moldova anti-government protest (Reuters). 

The Washington Post has a different analysis. Quoting Ukrainian intelligence sources they are labeling these protests as a Russian destabilization operation (see below):  

FSB works to undermine pro-Western government in Moldova (Washington Post)  

Ukraine intelligence shows Moscow working to supplant Moldova pro-Western government (The Hill)  

Russian secret services trying to subvert pro-West govt in Moldova: Report -- (WION)  

U.S. Targets Moldovans, Russians For Sanctions Over Alleged Political Interference In Moldova (RFE)

Moldova's Prime Minister Fears A Russian Invasion

 

Daily Mail: Moldova's PM says she is 'very worried' Putin will invade her country next and warns 'nobody is safe'– as Sergei Lavrov says Russia aims to topple Zelensky 

* In recent months, Moscow's troops have made gains in East and South Ukraine 

* Analysts believe the Kremlin is trying to create a land bridge to Transnistria 

* The break-away region controls a sliver of land between Moldova and Ukraine 

* Moldova's PM Natalia Gavrilita said troops are in Transnistria, and that her country fears Russia could invade her tiny nation of 2.5 million people 

Moldova's Prime Minister has said she is very worried Russia will invade her country next, while warning that no country is safe from Vladimir Putin. 

Natalia Gavrilita's warning came after Moscow's forces made gains in Ukraine's south and east, near to the Moldova-Ukraine border, in recent months. 

Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow's overarching goal in Ukraine is to topple President Volodymyr Zelensky's government, expressing the Kremlin's war aims in some of the bluntest terms yet.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This is helping to raise tensions .... Moldova Blocks Russian Troop Rotation In Transnistria. Ukrainian Army Says It Is Ready to Help Moldova Expel Russian Soldiers Stationed In Transnistria (July 25, 2022). 

 Moldova's Prime Minister Fears A Russian Invasion  

Moldova ‘very worried’ about Russia invasion: ‘Nobody is safe’ -- The Hill  

Ukraine's neighbor worried about Russian invasion -- Politico  

Moldova says it fears a Russian invasion as more neighbors ring alarm over Ukraine war -- Insider  

Moldova fears potential Russian invasion, prime minister says -- Axios

Moldova Blocks Russian Troop Rotation In Transnistria. Ukrainian Army Says It Is Ready to Help Moldova Expel Russian Soldiers Stationed In Transnistria

The Ukrainian Army has declared its readiness to help Moldova get rid of the 1500 Russian soldiers who illegally occupy Moldovan territory in Transnistria.

The statement was made by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, Kirill Budanov

🇺🇦🇲🇩 pic.twitter.com/Q2s5MKx9AA

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 23, 2022

Ukrayinska Pravda: Ukraine ready to help Moldova de-occupy Transnistria Budanov 

The head of the Chief Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence, Kyrylo Budanov, has said that Ukraine is ready to help Moldova with the de-occupation of Transnistrian territory. 

Budanov said this on Friday during the nationwide joint 24/7 newscast, as reported by an Evropeiska Pravda correspondent. 

"I support Moldova's desire to get rid of the occupying forces from its territory. And we as a state and as a special service will do everything to help a brotherly state get rid of the invaders from its land," he said.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Moldova has just blocked a Russian troop Rotation in Transnistria .... Moldova Defends Action, Blocking Russian Troop Rotation in Transnistria (Balkan Insight). 

 More News On Transnistria And Moldova  

Moldova Denies Entry Of Russian Troops From Unrecognized Transnistria To Its Territory -- Republic World 

Ukraine's neighbor worried about Russian invasion -- Politico 

Moldova fears potential Russian invasion, prime minister says -- Axios 

Putin’s Next Invasion Target After Ukraine: Moldova? -- 19FortyFive

Moldova’s Pro-Russian Opposition Leader Arrested On Corruption Charges

Moldova's former President Igor Dodon before a court hearing in Chisinau, Moldova on Thursday, May 26, 2022 [Vladislav Culiomza/Reuters]  

DW: Moldovan ex-president detained for alleged graft, treason  

Ex-Moldovan President Igor Dodon is accused of taking bribes. The pro-Russia politician was in office from 2016 until 2020. 

Igor Dodon, the pro-Russia ex-president of Moldova, has been arrested in Chisinau on suspicion of high treason, according to multiple media reports on Tuesday. 

Dodon has been detained by authorities for 72 hours, Deschide.MD quoted Moldova's acting prosecutor general, Dumitru Robu, as saying.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The Kremlin has responded with the arrest of its ally .... Kremlin Says Concerned by Reported Detention of Moldova Ex-President (Reuters). More here .... Russia Warns Moldova Over Ex-President As Supporters Protest Detention (RFE), and here .... Russia Says Will Monitor Moldova Ex-Leader's Case (Moscow Times/AFP). 

Moldova’s Pro-Russian Opposition Leader Arrested On Corruption Charges  

Moldova’s ex-president placed under 30-day house arrest -- AP  

Moldova places former President Dodon under house arrest -- Reuters 

Igor Dodon: Former Moldovan President arrested on suspicion of corruption -- Euronews  

Moldova’s pro-Russian opposition leader detained on corruption charges -- The Guardian  

Pro-Russian ex-president of Moldova placed under house arrest -- Al Jazeera

Growing Fears That Russia Is Preparing To Invade Moldova

Daily Mail: Fears Putin will open a new front and invade Moldova next after blasts rock Ukraine’s tiny neighbour and Russia’s foreign minister says they should ‘worry about their own future’ 

* Sergei Lavrov: Ukraine neighbour with Russia-backed breakaway 'should worry' 

* 'We believe the Kremlin has already taken the decision to attack Moldova': Kyiv 

* Separatist Transnistria region was targeted in a spate of mysterious bombings 

* Government buildings attacked, with Russia-backed rebel groups suspected 

* Putin now expected to focus war effort on Moldova as Ukraine invasion falters 

* Reinforcements could emerge from Transnistria to take Black Sea port Odesa 

* 'If the Russians take control we will be an easier target', Ukraine insider added 

* Moldova borders NATO member Romania and would be another western front 

* Russian commander Minnekayev: 'One of our tasks is to establish full control over southern Ukraine. 

That will give yet another point of access to Transnistria' Russia is already preparing to invade Moldova, Ukrainian army insiders have claimed. 

Putin will create a 'pretext' in the country south-west of Ukraine in order to justify forces entering border region Transnistria, they warned. 

Around 1,500 Russian soldiers are stationed in the Kremlin-backed breakaway state to 'protect Russian-speaking peoples'. Moldova's entire army numbers 3,250 troops.  

Read more .... 

Growing Fears That Russia Is Preparing To Invade Moldova  

Decision to invade Moldova already approved by Kremlin - The Times -- Ukrinform  

Russia 'paving the way to expand war with Moldova invasion', Ukraine warns -- Mirror  

Transnistria Forces in Moldova Preparing 'Appeal' to Putin, Says Ukraine -- Newsweek 

‘They’d Probably All Die’: Analysts Doubt Russian Push Toward Separatist Transnistria -- James Beardsworth, Moscow Times  

Ukraine war: Europe's entire future rests on Ukrainian victory, warns Moldovan minister -- SKY News 

Russia uses ammo depot in Transnistria to smuggle weapons across Ukrainian borders -- FOX News 

Russia ‘is already paving the way for a takeover of Moldova’- The Times -- APA 

‘I don’t feel safe here’: Transnistria fears could spark Moldova exodus -- The Guardian  

EXPLAINER: How is Trans-Dniester related to war in Ukraine? -- AP

Is Russia Going To Invade Moldova Next?

Alexander Lukashenko has appeared in front of a battle map during a state TV broadcast which appears to detail Russia's attack plans in Ukraine

Daily Mail: Has Lukashenko accidentally revealed MOLDOVA will be invaded next? Belarus dictator addresses his security council in front of map that seems to detail Russia's battle plan for Ukraine 

* Alexander Lukashenko met with his security council to discuss Ukraine invasion and Belarus' involvement

* Belarus dictator stood next to map apparently showing the Russian plan to capture Ukraine's key cities 

* Map roughly matches up with actual battle, though also calls for attacks on Ukrainian city of Zhytomyr which hasn't materialised and attack into occupied Moldova, which border Ukraine to the south-west 

* In the footage Lukashenko talks about missile strikes by Belarus against important Ukrainian targets 

Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko appears to have indicated Vladimir Putin's forces have plans to invade Moldova. 

Putin's war-mongering sidekick addressed security officials today while standing in front of a battle map that seems to show a planned operation from southern Ukraine into its tiny neighbour. 

The map also showed proposed battle plans for Russian troops across the country. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Can't tell much from the map. But it has created a lot of speculation.

Is Russia Going To Invade Moldova?

Belarus' Lukashenko may have shared map of Russia's Ukrainian-invasion plans -- Business Insider  

Belarus president stands in front of battle map indicating Moldova invasion plans -- The Hill  

Belarusian president displays map suggesting Putin plans to attack Moldova -- The Week 

Dictator of Belarus accidentally reveals Moldova may be INVADED next while detailing Putin’s lines of attack on Ukraine -- The SUN

Moldova Closes Airspace. Declares State Of Emergency

RFE: Moldova Closes Airspace, Will Declare State Of Emergency As Influx Of Ukrainians Expected  

Moldova has announced it was closing its airspace because of the war in neighboring Ukraine, shortly after President Maia Sandu said Chisinau would introduce a state of emergency and was ready to accept tens of thousands of people fleeing Ukraine after the Russian attack. "We will help people who need our help and support," Sandu said on February 24. 

Sandu said she had called a meeting of the Exceptional Situations Committee to decide on a series of measures to manage the humanitarian aspect of the crisis. 

Moldova's Interior Minister Ana Revenco said that so far 1,900 Ukrainian citizens had crossed into Moldova on February 24. 

Read more .... 

Moldova Closes Airspace. Declares State Of Emergency  

Moldova Declares State of Emergency, Closes Airspace, is ‘On Alert’ -- Balkan Insight  

Moldovan Parliament Votes for 60-Day State of Emergency After Russia Invades Ukraine -- Reuters  

Moldova readies emergency steps in preparation for Ukrainian refugees -- NYPost  

Moldova condemns Russia, calls for state of emergency and shuts its airspace -- Times of Israel  

Moldova closes airspace over Ukraine situation -- RT