Moldovan President Maia Sandu has warned that Russia aims to replace Moldova's current leadership with pro-Kremlin loyalists and use the country as a strategic tool against Ukraine. Sandu emphasized that Ukraine serves as a shield for Moldova and that the country has a moral obligation to remain uninvolved in Russia's war. The Kremlin's strategy reportedly focuses on influencing Moldova's upcoming parliamentary elections to install leaders aligned with Russian interests, thereby leveraging Moldova in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This development underscores the geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and highlights Moldova's precarious position amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Moldovan authorities have twice prevented Archbishop Markell of the Moldovan Orthodox Church from traveling to Jerusalem to collect the Holy Fire, a sacred Orthodox tradition. The first incident occurred on Holy Thursday, April 17, when he was detained at Chisinau airport and subjected to a thorough inspection, only receiving his documents back 30 minutes after his flight had departed. The second attempt on April 18 resulted in a similar outcome, with the border service conducting document checks until the plane's departure.

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The Parliament of Moldova has voted to hold the country's next parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025. This decision comes despite demands from socialist and communist factions to hold the elections earlier, in July. The upcoming elections are viewed as a critical test for Moldova's fragile democracy, which is positioned between competing pro-European and pro-Russian influences. The scheduling of the elections was formalized by a decree, and the event is being closely watched by both regional and international observers.

The appellate court in Chișinău rejected the prosecution's request to detain Evghenia Guțul, head of the Gagauz Autonomous Region, for 30 days, leaving her under house arrest. Guțul faces charges related to alleged illegal financing of her 2023 election campaign, which she denies as fabricated. The situation has sparked widespread protests in Gagauzia's capital, Comrat, with around 5,000 participants demanding the lifting of charges and opposing Moldovan President Maia Sandu's government, accusing it of undermining the region's autonomy. Protesters called for the establishment of a four-party commission involving Russia, Turkey, Moldova, and Gagauzia to monitor the protection of the region's rights. Supporters proposed awarding Guțul the highest Gagauz order for her dedication and defense of the autonomous region's interests. Russian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, expressed serious concern over Moldova's attempts to dismantle Gagauzia's autonomous status and criticized the detention of Guțul as unjustified. Zakharova also condemned recent legislative actions in Estonia and Finland targeting Russian residents, highlighting broader tensions involving Russia and neighboring countries.

Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has arrested multiple individuals in connection with a terror network allegedly linked to Ukrainian intelligence. Among those detained is a Moldovan citizen, Evgeny Kurdoglu, who was reportedly preparing an attack in Kerch under the direction of Ukrainian special services. The FSB also apprehended two Russian citizens who were allegedly recruited in Moldova; one had previously blown up a refinery substation, while the other was planning attacks on military installations. The FSB has accused Ukrainian intelligence of using Moldova as a base for recruiting and training operatives for activities against Russia. In total, four individuals identified as 'agents of Ukraine' have been arrested, with operations spanning from 2023 to 2024.

During the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Moldova's Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi engaged in discussions with several international counterparts. He met with Norway's State Secretary, focusing on regional security, energy diversification, and Norway's support for Moldova, alongside plans to open an embassy office in Chișinău. In a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Popșoi reaffirmed Moldova's support for Ukraine and condemned Russia's actions in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, he celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations with North Macedonia, discussing opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Popșoi also met with UK Minister Sarah Doughty to address mutual recognition of driving licenses for the Moldovan diaspora and key priorities for the Moldova-UK Strategic Dialogue, including democracy, rule of law, and cybersecurity. Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu also participated in discussions at the forum, emphasizing bilateral political dialogue and cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while reiterating Romania's support for sovereignty amid regional tensions.

Eugeniya Gutsul, the head of the Gagauz autonomy in Moldova, has been moved to house arrest following a court decision. Prosecutors had sought to extend her detention by 20 days, but the court opted for house arrest instead. Gutsul, who has been vocal about her political stance, expressed her relief at being able to see her children and stated her intention to continue fighting what she claims is a politically motivated case. Her lawyer, Sergey Moraru, criticized the prosecutor's request for an extension of her arrest as unfounded. Gutsul has called for an open court session regarding the extension of her arrest, emphasizing her commitment to proving her innocence. The developments come amid broader political tensions in the region, with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin commenting on alleged external pressures aimed at destabilizing the Serbian government.

Moldova's Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi has engaged in a series of diplomatic meetings in Brussels and with Canadian officials to advance Moldova's European Union accession efforts. In discussions with Polish Undersecretary of State Marek Prawda, Popsoi reaffirmed the strong political ties between Moldova and Poland, highlighting Poland's support for Moldova's EU path. Additionally, Popsoi met with Canadian Ambassador Gavin Buchan to discuss cooperation on energy security, justice reform, and resilience, emphasizing Canada's ongoing support for Moldova's modernization and EU aspirations. The Minister also held talks with OSCE Special Representative Thomas Lenk regarding the Transnistrian settlement, reiterating Moldova's commitment to a peaceful resolution that respects its sovereignty. These meetings reflect Moldova's proactive approach in strengthening international partnerships amid regional challenges.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has warned that Russia aims to replace Moldova's current leadership with pro-Kremlin loyalists and use the country as a strategic tool against Ukraine. Sandu emphasized that Ukraine serves as a shield for Moldova and that the country has a moral obligation to remain uninvolved in Russia's war. The Kremlin's strategy reportedly focuses on influencing Moldova's upcoming parliamentary elections to install leaders aligned with Russian interests, thereby leveraging Moldova in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This development underscores the geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and highlights Moldova's precarious position amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Moldovan authorities have twice prevented Archbishop Markell of the Moldovan Orthodox Church from traveling to Jerusalem to collect the Holy Fire, a sacred Orthodox tradition. The first incident occurred on Holy Thursday, April 17, when he was detained at Chisinau airport and subjected to a thorough inspection, only receiving his documents back 30 minutes after his flight had departed. The second attempt on April 18 resulted in a similar outcome, with the border service conducting document checks until the plane's departure.

Read more

The Parliament of Moldova has voted to hold the country's next parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025. This decision comes despite demands from socialist and communist factions to hold the elections earlier, in July. The upcoming elections are viewed as a critical test for Moldova's fragile democracy, which is positioned between competing pro-European and pro-Russian influences. The scheduling of the elections was formalized by a decree, and the event is being closely watched by both regional and international observers.

The appellate court in Chișinău rejected the prosecution's request to detain Evghenia Guțul, head of the Gagauz Autonomous Region, for 30 days, leaving her under house arrest. Guțul faces charges related to alleged illegal financing of her 2023 election campaign, which she denies as fabricated. The situation has sparked widespread protests in Gagauzia's capital, Comrat, with around 5,000 participants demanding the lifting of charges and opposing Moldovan President Maia Sandu's government, accusing it of undermining the region's autonomy. Protesters called for the establishment of a four-party commission involving Russia, Turkey, Moldova, and Gagauzia to monitor the protection of the region's rights. Supporters proposed awarding Guțul the highest Gagauz order for her dedication and defense of the autonomous region's interests. Russian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, expressed serious concern over Moldova's attempts to dismantle Gagauzia's autonomous status and criticized the detention of Guțul as unjustified. Zakharova also condemned recent legislative actions in Estonia and Finland targeting Russian residents, highlighting broader tensions involving Russia and neighboring countries.

Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has arrested multiple individuals in connection with a terror network allegedly linked to Ukrainian intelligence. Among those detained is a Moldovan citizen, Evgeny Kurdoglu, who was reportedly preparing an attack in Kerch under the direction of Ukrainian special services. The FSB also apprehended two Russian citizens who were allegedly recruited in Moldova; one had previously blown up a refinery substation, while the other was planning attacks on military installations. The FSB has accused Ukrainian intelligence of using Moldova as a base for recruiting and training operatives for activities against Russia. In total, four individuals identified as 'agents of Ukraine' have been arrested, with operations spanning from 2023 to 2024.

During the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Moldova's Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi engaged in discussions with several international counterparts. He met with Norway's State Secretary, focusing on regional security, energy diversification, and Norway's support for Moldova, alongside plans to open an embassy office in Chișinău. In a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Popșoi reaffirmed Moldova's support for Ukraine and condemned Russia's actions in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, he celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations with North Macedonia, discussing opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Popșoi also met with UK Minister Sarah Doughty to address mutual recognition of driving licenses for the Moldovan diaspora and key priorities for the Moldova-UK Strategic Dialogue, including democracy, rule of law, and cybersecurity. Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu also participated in discussions at the forum, emphasizing bilateral political dialogue and cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while reiterating Romania's support for sovereignty amid regional tensions.

Eugeniya Gutsul, the head of the Gagauz autonomy in Moldova, has been moved to house arrest following a court decision. Prosecutors had sought to extend her detention by 20 days, but the court opted for house arrest instead. Gutsul, who has been vocal about her political stance, expressed her relief at being able to see her children and stated her intention to continue fighting what she claims is a politically motivated case. Her lawyer, Sergey Moraru, criticized the prosecutor's request for an extension of her arrest as unfounded. Gutsul has called for an open court session regarding the extension of her arrest, emphasizing her commitment to proving her innocence. The developments come amid broader political tensions in the region, with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin commenting on alleged external pressures aimed at destabilizing the Serbian government.

Moldova's Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi has engaged in a series of diplomatic meetings in Brussels and with Canadian officials to advance Moldova's European Union accession efforts. In discussions with Polish Undersecretary of State Marek Prawda, Popsoi reaffirmed the strong political ties between Moldova and Poland, highlighting Poland's support for Moldova's EU path. Additionally, Popsoi met with Canadian Ambassador Gavin Buchan to discuss cooperation on energy security, justice reform, and resilience, emphasizing Canada's ongoing support for Moldova's modernization and EU aspirations. The Minister also held talks with OSCE Special Representative Thomas Lenk regarding the Transnistrian settlement, reiterating Moldova's commitment to a peaceful resolution that respects its sovereignty. These meetings reflect Moldova's proactive approach in strengthening international partnerships amid regional challenges.