The Russian invasion of Ukraine last year caused massive waves of Ukrainian refugees to ripple across nations, hitting Europe like a boulder thrown into a pond. The tiny nation of Moldova responded to Ukraine’s calls for help like a good neighbor, but the U.N. Refugee Agency, UNHCR, issued a warning on Friday that countries like Poland and Moldova “may be forced to cut essential activities” without drastically increased funding.
Tensions are growing in Transnistria, a de facto separatist territory in eastern Moldova, as officials blame Ukraine for a recent round of attacks on government installations. Russia could use the attacks as an excuse to open a new front against Ukraine or against Moldova, according to observers. Kyiv denies this, and observers say the danger of Russia using the attacks as an excuse to open a new front against Ukraine or against Moldova itself is growing
The Moldovan people are deeply divided about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. From Kremlin television propaganda to church altars, the tiny former Soviet republic, which has a majority Russian-speaking population in some regions, is receptive to Russian influence VOA NEWS